Page:Views in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Northamptonshire.djvu/75

WHITTLEBURY FOREST,

In Northamptonshire, was a grant from the crown in the year 1685, to the Duke of Grafton, who was made hereditary keeper. The forest is well stocked with timber, and presents a beautiful variety of groves, lawns, and upland swells, enlivened by numerous herds of deer and flocks of sheep. There are several lodges on the Forest; the principal of them is Wakefield Lodge, which is frequently the residence of the Duke and his family. It was built by Mr. Claypole, son-in-law to the Protector Cromwell; but many alterations and additions have been made at subsequent periods. The edifice in its present state has a handsome portico in front, supported on four columns of the Tuscan order, and leads to a grand saloon, which occupies nearly the whole area of the building. The grounds about the house are admirably adapted to answer the purposes of utility and pleasure. The gardens are extensive and in excellent order. There is an uncommonly fine grove called the Pheasantry, through which is a winding path of a mile and a half in circuit, affording a most agreeable walk from the