The History of the Worthies of England #245327

Oxfordshire hath Berkshire (divided first by the Isis, then by the Thames) on the south; Gloucestershire on the west; Buckinghamshire on the east; Warwick and Northampton-shires on the north. It aboundeth with all things necessary for man's life; and I understand that hunters and falconers are no where better pleased. Nor needeth there more pregnant proof of plenty in this place than that lately Oxford was for some years together a courts a garrison and an university; during which time it was well furnished with provisions on reasonable rates.<br><br>Natural Commodities.<br><br>Fallow Deer.<br><br>And why of these in Oxfordshire? why not rather in Northamptonshire where there be the most or in Yorkshire, where there be the greatest, parks in England? It is because John Rous of Warwick telleth me, that at Woodstock in this county was the most ancient park in the whole land, encompassed with a stone wall by king Henry the first.<br><br>Let us premise a line or two concerning Parks; the case, before we come to what is contained therein.<br><br>1. The word parcus appears in Varro (derived, no doubt, a parcendo, to spare or save) for a place wherein such cattle are preserved.<br><br>2. There is mention once or twice in Domesday-book of parous silvestris bestiarum, which proveth parks in England before the Conquest.<br><br>3. Probably such ancient parks (to keep J. Rous in credit and countenance) were only paled, and Woodstock the first that was walled about.