In December of 1824, Waterton returned home from his Fourth Wandering and his Wanderings in South America were published in 1825. Thereafter, his travels were confined to Europe with a journey, slightly further afield, to Madeira in 1845 with his sisters-in-law.

He settled into his life as a country squire, a dabbler in political debate, a father, an author (his Essays), a campaigner fighting against pollution in his home village, the running of Walton Park ("Waterton Park" as it is often called today) and a traveller on the Continent.

His wandering days were at an end - but his interest in life most certainly was not, and his status as a celebrity was assured.

In 1824, the Squire's portrait was painted by Charles Willson Peale. Read more about the painting and the artist.

Charles Waterton married Anne Mary Edmonstone in Brugge (Bruges), Belgium on 18th May 1829, and later in the same year at St. Helen's, Sandal Magna. Read more.

The Grotto, where Waterton spent many happy hours. Special events were held here. Today the Grotto is a wilderness that serves as a nature reserve.