Mature Parkland designed by Sir Humphry Repton     The Grove Estate was established in the 1750s by John Yeldham, who owned extensive lands across North Essex. He was a charitable man and heavily involved with the management of Guys Hospital in London. At the heart of the estate, is the parkland which was landscaped in the 1790s by Sir Humphry Repton. Born in 1752, Repton succeeded Capability Brown to become one of England's pre-eminent landscape designers. He was responsible for re-designing many great English country estates.  He is credited with coining the term 'landscape garden' to describe the natural style of gardening which he felt required 'the united powers of the landscape painter and the practical gardener'. He produced one of his famous red books containing before and after artist impressions of the estate in 1791.   It is due to Repton and his influence, that The Grove Estate enjoys a proud hertiage of trees including Wellingtonias, Cedars, Red and White Chestnuts, Mulberry trees, Ginkos and Lime tree avenues     The estate was subsquently purchased by an Amercian Mr. Barlett Goodrich. The Goodrichs were one of the early Virginian families, having already settled in Virigina for over 150 years by the time of the Declaration of Independence.  Barlett Goodrich took the unsual step of  returning back to England rather than live under 'rebel' rule. He and his family dominated local life with him purchasing also Saling Hall which became the dower house. Meanwhile his colourful younger brother, Bridger Goodrich fled to Bermunda and led a band of privateers who once blockaded Chesapeake Bay, much to the chagrin of US President Thomas Jefferson.      The American connection continued with the arrival of the Second World War. The Estate like the rest of the country, was involved in supporting the war effort. On adjacent land to the estate, RAF Andrews Field was established . It was the first Class A airfield built by the American forces in the UK. Constructed by the 819th Engineer Battalion (Aviation) of the US Army and used by the 96th and 322 Bombardment Group and 1st Pathfinder Squadron.  The airfield was named in honour of Lieutenant General Frank M Andrews who lived on the estate. Frank M Andrews was a pioneer exponent of air power and was the first head of an autonomous American air force and the first airofficer to serve on the Army's general staff.