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.