Cheshunt is the modernised form of the Roman Cestrehunt. A British encampment is said to have existed here, a little to the west of the ancient Ermine Street, upon the track of which the high road now runs. What may be the remains of this exist in a field lying on the west of the churchyard and close to the cemetery. It is also recorded that a bank or earthen wall extended in early times through this parish, which is believed to have been the boundary of the East Saxons. In connection with this bank a curious custom exists. By this, if a copyholder dies seised of land on the west, or above bank, the right of succession falls to the eldest son, but if it is below the bank then to the youngest son. [Picture: In the village at Cheshunt] Cheshunt parish is an extensive one, and its physical aspect wonderfully varied, with a richly wooded undulating surface. There are many elevated situations from 300 to 354 feet above sea-level, and from most of these beautiful views of the surrounding country are to be enjoyed. The district, too, abounds in charming walks, and field paths are numerous. Large areas are devoted to fruit culture, roses, horticultural nurseries, and market gardens. Quite a feature of the place are the extensive rose nurseries of Messrs. Paul and Son in the high road, and these are well worthy a visit by lovers of flowers, to whom they are at all times accessible. It was to old Pengelly House, which stood in its spacious grounds (now built over), opposite Cheshunt College, that Richard Cromwell, the deposed Protector, retired after his return from the Continent in 1680. He spent his remaining days here as the guest of Sergeant Pengelly, afterwards Chief Baron of the Exchequer, in the name of Clarke. Cheshunt Great House. A little beyond the old village, on the road that runs to Goff’s Oak and Cheshunt Common—a beautiful breezy height—stands a structure that strikes one as odd in form and character. It is isolated and alone, occupying a slight elevation, and little conjecture is needed to recognise this as the remains of an old moated mansion. It is known as the Great House, and believed to have originally been the Palace of Waltham, of which ancient records speak, and later served as the seat of the lord of the manor of St. Andrews-le-Motte. The foundations of this structure are by some authorities considered to date back to the fifteenth century, and a well-known local antiquary asserts that it was built 1380–90, as the palace for Cardinal Henry Beaufort, second son of John of Gaunt. The original house was a quadrangular Gothic building, surrounded by a moat, of which traces are clearly discernible. A considerable portion of the structure was demolished in 1801. The Great House long formed a dower palace of the queens of England, and in 1519 was granted to Cardinal Wolsey. [Picture: Cheshunt Great House]