On the 4th I returned, with no little regret, for the confusion that threatened us. Resolving to possess myself in some quiet, if it might be, in a time of so great jealousy, I built by my brother’s permission, a study, made a fish-pond, an island, and some other solitudes and retirements at Wotton; which gave the first occasion of improving them to those waterworks and gardens which afterward succeeded them, and became at that time the most famous of England.

Monochrome drawing of manor house surrounded by woodland with geometric gardens

Wotton house and grounds in Surrey. Etching by J. Evelyn, 1653. (Wikipedia)