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'Pleasaunce' is an archaic word meaning a place designed purely to give pleasure, rather than having any practical use. It dates from the 13th century and still contains a Tudor barn built by William Roper, the son-in-law of Sir Thomas More. Another main feature, was Well Hall (pictured) which was built c.1733, used as a prep school 1880 - 90 and was the home of author Edith Nesbit 1899 - 1920. It was demolished in the early 1930s when the council acquired the site, which is now a public park of formal gardens, ponds and woodland. (Also see Andrew Simpson.)