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T E D D E S L E Y-H A Y, 



STAFFORDSHIRE, 



THE SEAT OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD HATHERTON. 



1 EDDESLEY-HAY, a magnificent estate of about 2,586 acres, in the hundred of Cuttlestone, is 

 mostly famous as the scene of an important and highly- improved system of agriculture— extended over a 

 large tract of country, which probably was never before subjected to the process of manual labour. This 

 tract is a part of that fine old forest of historical interest known as Cannock Chase, which, swelling to 

 a considerable altitude, covers a surface of upwards of 32,000 acres. The most ancient history of this 

 forest extends to the time when, previous to the Roman Invasion, it was inhabited by the Cangi, a 

 tribe who served their more powerful neighbours, the Cornabii, as herdsmen ; and when its wild depths 

 witnessed in all their impressive character the mysterious rites of Druidism. There is, near to Aldridge, 

 a small common, enclosed some years since, known as " Druids' Heath," on which formerly existed some 

 circular entrenchments, supposed to be of British origin, and where it is presumed the Arch- Druid of 

 Britain resided the greater or more favourable part of the year. According to some etymologists 

 the name is derived from Cangi, or Ceancs, as they were called, and the connection of the forest with 

 certain religious Druidical rites. Some are of opinion that it owes its origin to Canute, who was fond of 

 hunting in its extensive solitudes ; but to whatever source the derivation is due, it was for many 

 centuries an object of great attraction to the different rulers of the people ; and one of their grand 

 hunting-fields, both before and subsequent to the Norman Conquest. In the course of time its venerable 

 oaks were swept away, many thousands being blown down by a hurricane in 1593, and it retained 

 only the vastness and desolation of a heath, without the redeeming beauties of tree or foliage, till 

 the Enclosure Act presented the opportunity to convert its fine soil into a useful and profitable 

 theatre of agriculture. It was customary in the earlier times of the Normans to enclose small parks 

 in those forests or chases held by the Crown ; and in Cannock there were several. In the park at 

 Teddesley are to be seen the outlines of one of these ancient enclosures; it is circular in form, and 

 distinguished by great numbers of oak trees, of extraordinary girth, some being scathed by lightning ; 

 the greater part having decayed and leafless branches, and all bearing the impress of a former 

 magnificence. It is called the " Old Coppice Park :" and what makes it more interesting is the 

 circumstance, that many years ago it contained the remains of a small square Roman camp, in which 

 was found, in 1780, a short iron dagger, perfect in shape, but much corroded with rust. No traces 

 of these entrenchments exist at the present day. There is also on the road leading to Stafford, about 

 a mile from the Hall, a very remarkable oak tree, which measures nine yards in circumference; although 

 partly decayed and split down the middle, it is likely to be an object of much interest to many future 

 generations. There is a tradition that it was planted in the time of King Stephen, but its appearance 

 would indicate a greater age. 



