Boston Manor Park

The Boston Manor estate is thought to date back to at least 1163 and had a series of influential owners. At one time, it was part of the estate of royal financier Thomas Gresham, who also owned neighbouring Osterley Park. The house that survives in the centre of the park dates from 1623. Just under a century later, the grounds were described as comprising: "gardens, walls, walks, courts, 5 fish ponds . . . Plantation and nursery computed to be 3 acres . . . Whole being well wooded and watered." In 1670, the estate was sold for just over £5,000 to the Clitherow family, and it remained in their ownership for the succeeding 250 years. In the late 18th century, some land was sold to enable…