SWINLEY LODGE. 383 



Forest at this time. In 1607 Swinley was a reel deer walk, contain- 

 ing 100 head, of which 30 were "antlers," 16 " stags," and the rest 

 probably hinds. 



We have not noticed any further reference to Swinley Lodge 

 until the reign of Queen Anne. In August 1704, pui'suant to 

 commands, the Lord High Treasurer, Sidney Godolphin, signified 

 Her Majesty's wish that the ground " within and without " Swinley 

 Rails, in Windsor Forest, should be levelled, and the rabbits therein 

 exterminated. From the report made thereon by the surveyor, it 

 appears, at this time, that this part of the forest comprised about 

 a thousand acres, and that it would cost about 450?. " to trench the 

 burroughs, which must be at least three foot deep, fill them in again 

 and ram them, to make y*^ ground fitt & safe for her Majesty's 

 hunting," 



On January 31, 1715-6, the Duke of Kent submitted a repre- 

 sentation to the Lords of the Treasury, " that for the better 

 preserving the deer in Swinley Walk, a new foddering pen " was 

 absolutely necessary, which he thought ought to be enclosed within 

 the rails, and made so as to shelter the deer from cold, with a loft 

 over the shelter, to place hay in, for the winter's foddering. The 

 Duke adds that there were some small repairs required at the barns, 

 etc., "belonging to the Lodge," which might be done at the same 

 time. His Grace further observes : " Mr. Bret the Hanger at 

 Swinley has represented to me, that he did fodder the Deer there all 

 the last season, at his own expense," — Mr. Mildmay, late Ranger 

 under the Duke of Northumberland, refusing to provide hay, or to 

 allow any part of the 501. per annum, appointed for that purpose; 

 "therefore," he adds, "I hope your Lordships will direct the Sur- 

 veyor of the Woods, to pay to Mr. Rret such part of the preceeding 

 allowance, as you shall think sufiicient, to reimburse him for that 

 service." He then appeals to their Lordships to order payment to 

 the under-keepers of their salaries and allowances, which at this time 

 had been two years in arrear, as he was satisfied that " some of those 

 poor men who subsist chiefly by that salary, do at this time want 

 bread for the support of themselves and families." 



On the ensuing March 15, the Surveyor submitted an estimate 

 of the probable cost of executing these repairs, which, it was com- 

 puted, would amount to 108?. 7s. l^d. The repairs of Swinley 

 Rails appear to have been executed soon after at a total expenditure 



