Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
In the shadow of a long-lost palace
CHEAM, MALDEN, MORDEN AND NONSUCH; SURREY, 1553
This map only incidentally shows Henry VIII's spectacular palace of Nonsuch, in the top left
border, with the paling and gates to its parks across the top of the map, and what may have
been a prospect mound from which royal parties could view the hunt. Nonsuch was a favour-
ite retreat of Elizabeth I, but was demolished by Charles II's mistress who sold the materials
to pay her gambling debts. The park remains as a remnant of past glory, near Epsom in the
commuter belt south-west of London. The palace was still new and not quite finished when
