388 HISTORY OF THE EOYAL BUCKHOUNDS AND ASCOT EACES. 



Buckhoiinds at Swinley, to the Department of Woods and Forests, 

 but the paddocks in which the deer were kept there were to continue 

 to be occupied as heretofore. It was now proposed to let the land, 

 called Swinley Park, containing 297 acres, 2 roods, and 4 perches, to 

 H.R.H. Pi'ince William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester, at an annual 

 rent of 128?. 



As to the lodge, it was in such a state as to be no longer habit- 

 able, incapable of being repaired unless at a very great and un- 

 warrantable expense, consequently it was decided to pull the whole 

 down, and dispose of the materials to the best advantage. It 

 transpired in this affair that Lord Maryborough's predecessors, as 

 Masters of the Royal Buckhounds, respectively enjoyed, in right of 

 their office, the use of about 230 acres of arable, pasture, and wood- 

 land adjoining Swinley Lodge, from which must have been derived 

 considerable advantage (of which Lord Maryborough and his suc- 

 cessors would be dispossessed) ; consequently it was suggested that 

 Lord Maryborough should not be deprived of those advantages if it 

 could be found convenient to provide a suitable habitation for him 

 in the neighbourhood. 



About this time the lodge consisted of a ground floor, containing 

 the King's room, parlours, entrance hall, servants' hall, kitchen, and 

 storerooms. Over this were twelve bedi'ooms, closets, etc. This 

 edifice, with the ofiices, stables, etc., was sold by auction, in small 

 lots, in 1831, the materials having been estimated at the value 

 of 220?.* 



* MS. Beyartment of Woods, etc., 1, Wliitehall Place, S.W., by permission of 

 Colonel Sir Nigel Kingscote, K.C.B. 



