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THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
The D'Arcy Chapel and south aisle are of the Decorative period, the carving of
the windows is continued in the wall spaces, beneath which is a fine double series
of sedilia (temp. Edward I. or II.) with an entrance to the crypt or small mortuary
chapel beneath. The most interesting feature of the edifice is the triangular
Norman tower, crowned with an hexagonal spire, which is believed to be unique,
at least in England. It opens by a large arch into the nave. The chancel leans to one
side, like many of the Suffolk churches ; a feature somewhat fancifully said to be
emblematical of our Saviour's head reclining on the Cross. Mr. Horwood gave an
account of the numerous monuments and their local associations, the oldest being
that to Robert D'Arcy (1428), whose son, Robert D'Arcy, of Danbury, founded
three chantries here, and built the Moot Hall. On blocks of white Smyrna
marble are Latin inscriptions, telling the family story of a Maldon worthy, who
amid the dangers and cares of his successful mercantile wanderings, retained a
love for the beauties of nature and art—one John Vernon, Turkey merchant,
''who hath often crossed the seas, tempted thereto not so much by the love of
gain, as by an ardent desire of beholding the wonderful works of God in the deep.
He boasts of this sepulchral stone as not the least reward of his labours, being
discovered among the ruins of Smyrna. He also brought to light some choice
ancient manuscripts, monuments of this antique city ; with these he enriched his
native country. He is now safe arrived at the haven of rest. He died, January
28th, 1653, aged 84.'' On a mural monument is an inscription to Mary Vernon,
who, "being in labour with her third child (O, sad !) ended her days 1st November,
1647, aged 29, and waits for the faithful promise of her return. Her once happy
husband, John Vernon, gentleman of this town, caused her to be placed under
the marble beneath ; "and then, to complete the pathetic story, comes the simple
history of the little "John Vernon, whom his mother brought forth, at the expense
of her own life, not enduring, as it were, an existence so unkindly given, died
almost as soon as born, and was buried with his mother under the same Smyrnean
stone." Another monument recalls a romantic legend : it is the effigy of Thomas
Cammocke, of Maldon, born 1545, with his two wives, Ursula and Frances, kneeling.
The latter is reputed to have been the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, and the
story runs thus:—" The Earl of Warwick, going from Leighs to Rochford Hall, was
attended by Captain Cammock, who courted his daughter, and who carried her
off upon a horse, and came to Fambridge Ferry, where the boat was on the other
side, and the tide violent. They found themselves pursued, and had no shift but
to swim over. The captain advised her not to venture, but she said she would
live and die with him, and took the water. When they were half over, the Earl's
servant came to the waterside, and his horse neighed, and with much difficulty
was brought to keep his course. They rode to Maldon, were wedded and bedded,
and the Earl said, 'Seeing she had ventured her life for him, God bless her.'"
Why has not some local poet embalmed this old-world tale in a ballad which should
rival that of the "Fair Ellen of brave Lochinvar" ?
After thanking Mr. Horwood for his kindness, the party was then taken by Mr.
Fitch along the London Road to the site of the Camp, which had been alluded to
in his introductory remarks as almost certainly King Edward's "Burg wrought
and getimbred" in a.d. 913 or 920. Short notices of this earthwork are contained
in most of the topographical works relating to Essex, but the accounts appear to
be invariably compiled from what Dr. Salmon wrote :—"There are the remains
of a Camp on the west side of the town, through the middle of which the road to
Chelmsford goes; three sides of the fortifications are visible ; the ground within