Mon 30 Nov 2026 @ 8.00pm
CASSIOBURY: THE ANCIENT SEAT OF THE EARLS OF ESSEX
a talk by Paul Rabbitts
Cassiobury Park is now the principal park in Watford. But for over two centuries Cassiobury was a vast, luxurious private estate shaped by royal ambition, grand architecture, and legendary landscape design. Its beauty was captured by J. M. W. Turner in a number of paintings. In this talk Paul Rabbitts, landscape architect and park historian, will take us on a journey through time from the estate’s 17th-century glory days under the Earls of Essex, through its tragic demolition, to its modern life as Hertfordshire’s largest and most beloved public park. Based on his book published in 2014.
The event will be in the Kings Chapel, 30 High St, Amersham HP7 0DJ. The access to the chapel is via the Kings Arms car park. Doors open at 7.30pm when coffee/tea will be served and the talk will start at 8.00pm.
All are welcome. Admission is £5.