Theobalds Square was a residential block constructed by George Prescott between 1765 and 1770, believed to be utilising materials from buildings at Theobalds Palace that had been destroyed in the Civil War. It comprised The Cedars, Old Palace House, Grove House, Jackson House, and Thornton's House. Each had a 'water garden'. A folly arch and two huts were also built as part of this project, although it is unknown if this includes re-purposed materials.
One of our members (Alec) kindly gave permission to publish a photo of his uncle Bill and his aunty Kath who once lived in Cedars Lodge, the house now behind the cafe. Bill was our park keeper in the late 1950s, and unfortunately, was forced to retire after a brain operation left him paralysed down the left side. Also in the photo are their two dogs called Sam and Snow and a cat called Spiky.
The Cedars was built in Yellow London Brick and was the main
house on the grounds at the time of the park's
donation to the people of Cheshunt.
It looked over a T-shaped pond that was designed to reflect the
Flint Arch. The central structure of this house was destroyed in
a fire in the early hours of 18/9/1913 and only the Conservatory
(now the new Cafe and a private home) and Billiard Room (now
Meeting Room and Toilets) remain. Click here
to read a newspaper article from the day of the fire.
For photographs and recollections of Old Palace House, please see the "Cedars Park" and "Ghost Stories" pages at zenmischief.com.