Mam Head. The seat of the Right Honble.Earl Lisburne, to whom this plate ... (1795)

Polwhele, Revd. Richard. The history of Devonshire. London: Cadell, Dilly & Murray, 1793-1806. Vol. II. pp.155-156.Mamhead-house was well designed for the period, in which it was erected. Sir Peter Balle, in a MS. account of himself and family [now unfortunately lost], then seated at Dawlish, states the motives for his making the purchase of Mamhead already noticed, and his building the greatest part of the house now standing there. He intimates, that he was allured by the beauties of the situation which he could not resist, but that he did not proceed on his plan; his preferment at the restoration not being adequate to his own hopes or merit. Sir Peter planted many of the trees now there. From Sir Peter, Mamhead descended through several persons of the name and family of Balle, to Thomas Balle, esq. whom I have mentioned as the last of the family. This gentleman, having passed his youth abroad in the profession of a merchant, returned about the year 1718, to his paternal seat; which he adorned with beautiful and extensive plantations - insomuch, that he was among the first, who attempted any improvement in the style which now prevails. At the same time in many of his works he fell into the old error of torturing nature and deforming the face of it, by raising gardens with terraces, and making ponds and fountains on the sides of hills - all which remained in this state, when the present owner engaged in the arduous and expensive task of restoring the ground to what he presumed it was before. This has been effectually done: and Mamhead now appears as one natural and extensive inclosure, with various prospects of sea, river, and country. Towards Haldon the most beautiful plantations of firs and forest trees in Devonshire, are crowned at the top of the hill, by a noble obelisk which was built by the last Mr. Balle. This obelisk stands on Mamhead-point: it consists of Portland-stone; about 100 feet in height. In front of the house we cannot but admire the easy swell of the lawn, whose smooth verdure is relieved by groupes (sic) of trees and shrubs most judiciously disposed.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Copper l.engr

202x303mm

S024. POLWHELE, Revd Richard: THE HISTORY OF DEVONSHIRE.