This print is the of a series intended to be engraved for the present work. The originals are by Hollar, and are preserved in the Pepysian collection at Cambridge. They are chiefly outlines, made with a pen and ink, and slightly shaded, and appear to have been executed in the early part of the reign of Charles the .

Suffolk House was built on the site of the hospital of St. Mary Rouncival by Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, who died there in . From him it descended to the Earl of Suffolk, whose daughter afterwards intermarrying with Piercy Earl of Northumberland, it came into the possession of that peer, and has ever since remained in his family.[*]  Many additions and alterations have been made of late years.

It appears, from the view here given, to have been, in its original state, a very large and magnificent mansion, built in the mixed style of architecture which prevailed in the early part of the century. The state part of the structure, as now, was quadrangular, the sides enclosing a small court-yard, and having towers at the angles in the Dutch taste. The domestic offices were detached from the main building, and reached to the water-side, in the manner of some of the noble residences still standing on the banks of the Thames. The space between, shaded by tall trees, was laid out in walks and gardens.

[*] It acquired its name of Suffolk House while it was inhabited by Thomas Howard of Walden, Earl of Suffolk, and his son Theophilus, Lord Howard; previous to which it had been called Northampton House. It changed its name to Northumberland House, when it came to be inhabited by the above-mentioned Piercy Earl of Northumberland.