Vandals damage 400-year-old former palace wall

A group dedicated to preserving a 16th Century park that was visited by Queen Elizabeth I during her reign said it was "totally lost for words" following a recent act of vandalism.

The Friends of Cedars Park, which helps protect the site between Cheshunt and Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, said the 400-year-old wall was probably damaged by a hammer, which was left on the ground with some of the rubble.

The 19-acre (7.6 ha) park stands on the former site of Theobalds Palace, a favoured residence of King James I.

Andy Massey, the group's chair, said: "There is so much history attached to the park, but it could be ruined if people keep damaging the walls."

He said vandals had created "three indentations" about 1m (3ft) across on what he described as the kitchen garden wall, which originally formed part of Theobalds Palace.

It is protected by Historic England along with other wall structures on the site.

Massey added he had informed Broxbourne Council, which manages the park, about the damage.

The vandalism has prompted people on social media to call for increased security at the park to protect what remains of the wall.

The BBC has contacted the council for a response.

Also known as Tibbolds and Thebaudes, Theobald's Palace was first mentioned in 1441, when the manor was granted to John Carpenter, John Somerset and John Carpenter the Younger.

James I spent much of his time at the palace, which he owned. In 1641, he entertained the King of Denmark there for a fortnight.

He also set up a menagerie in the grounds, which included elephants and camels. In 1620, James I built a wall around his estate.

In 1919, Admiral Sir Hedworth Meux, the then owner of the Theobalds Park Estate gave the park to the people of Cheshunt.

The BBC has contacted Historic England for a response.

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