Staunton Country Park
Staunton Country Park is a listed Regency landscaped parkland and forest encompassing approximately in Hampshire, England. An ornamental farm, ornamental lake, follies, maze, walled garden and glasshouses can be found within it. Entry to the parkland itself is free, however there is an associated visitor centre, with animals and attractions, which is not free. It is situated between Leigh Park and Rowlands Castle, near Havant. History The first house on the site was built over the five years from 1783 for Samuel Harrison. The first gardens on the site were begun by William Garrett who purchased the land in 1802. In 1817 the park was sold to John Julius Angerstein but in 1819 the sale was reversed after Angerstein brought a case against Garrett over non disclosure of dry rot. Garrett then put the estate back on the market. The park was purchased in 1820 by Regency politician and botanist Sir George Thomas Staunton as part of his country estate 'Leigh Park'. He made significant changes and additions to the gardens with the construction of the lake and a number of follies. He also commissioned a Gothic style library as an extension to the house that was completed in 1833.