Elstree

in 1746

Elftree, or Eaglestree, now a fmall Village; but when King Offa gave it to the Monaftery of St. A/ban's, 'twas given by the Name of Nemus Aquilium, i.e. Eagle­ wood, becaufe, as sorne think, Eagles bred there in thofe Days; for tho' 'tis now Hills and healthy, yet anciently it abounded with stately Trees, such as thofe Birds delight to harbour in. At the Time of the Conquest it is probable it was a Piece of Wafte, over-grown with Wood (which is the Reafon that it is not mentioned in Domefday Book) Parcel of the Manor of Park, which belonged to the Monaftery of St Alban's.

Upon the Diffolution of the Abbies it came to the Crown, and afterwards was settled by an Act of Parliament, 33 Henry VIII, on Sir Anthony Denny by the Name of Parkbury, in whofe Family it continued, till 5 Jac I. when it was fold to Robert Brifcoe of Aidenam, Esq; whofe Heirs are in Poffeffion of Part of it to this Day

The Church here is a Rectory, m the Prefcntation of the Crown ever fince the Diffolution of the Abbey.

The Agreeable Historian, 1746