Evelyn's Diary. 23 Aug 1681. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map], and, on the following day, was invited to Mr. Denzil Onslow's (age 39) at his seat at Purford, where was much company, and such an extraordinary feast, as I had hardly seen at any country gentleman's table. What made it more remarkable was, that there was not anything save what his estate about it did afford; as venison, rabbits, hares, pheasants, partridges, pigeons, quails, poultry, all sorts of fowl in season from his own decoy near his house, and all sorts of fresh fish. After dinner we went to see sport at the decoy, where I never saw so many herons.

Evelyn's Diary. 23 Aug 1681. The seat stands on a flat, the ground pasture, rarely watered, and exceedingly improved since Mr. Onslow (age 39) bought it of Sir Robert Parkhurst, who spent a fair estate. The house is timber, but commodious, and with one ample dining-room, the hall adorned with paintings of fowl and huntings, etc., the work of Mr. Barlow, who is excellent in this kind from the life.

In 1719 Godfrey Kneller (age 72). Portrait of Denzil Onslow of Pyrford (age 77).