184
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
sion, Mr. Crouch pointed out that "to enjoy the woodlands yet left we must
mount higher up into the belt of the forest by Grange Hill to Crabtree Wood, or
a piece by Hog Hill, and there as of old the ladies can
Like Robin Hood, still feel themselves the free,
And draw their beaux beneath the greenwood tree."
Mr. W. Cole added a few remarks on some points in the history of the forest. [Mr.
Crouch's and Mr. Cole's notes will be printed in full in a later number of the
E.N.].
The accompanying view of Fairlop Oak is from an old print published at the
beginning of this century, the block of which has been kindly presented by
Mr. Crouch. (See Plate V.)
A slight sketch was also given by Mr. Crouch on the surroundings, especially
relating to the Claybury Hall estate (230 ft., O.D.), and the new Middlesex
Lunatic Asylum, illustrated by a copy of the architect's (G. T. Hine of Notting-
ham) designs and ground-plan and some views of the old hall, which will still
remain as a prominent feature of the park. The old bridle-path through the
great gate across to the side of Toms Wood has since been closed, and a footpath
formed further south.
The Vicar discoursed on fairs in general, and "Fairlop Fair" in particular,
and the eccentric Mr. Day—"good Day" as he was dubbed—who dined his
friends each year on beans and bacon beneath the old oak.
The drive was then continued by Oak Row to Mossford Green, and a visit
paid to Gaysham Hall, where Mr. Crouch read some notes on the estate, and
some good old panelling, &c., was seen. In 1360 it was the property of Thomas
de Sandwich, proveditor of the household to Edward the Black Prince, who held
it under the Abbess and Convent of Barking, with about 160 acres of land. It
was subsequently owned by Sir William Denham, Clement Sisley (who built
Eastbury House), and the Breame family, and was sold in 1609 to Gabriel Wight,
in whose family it has been handed down, and formed part of the estates of the
Hibbit-White family, but was sold soon after the death, in 1867, of Mr. John
Wight-Wight of Blakeley Hall, who died intestate.
Lysons tells us that the old Manor House, which was built of timber and very
spacious, was pulled down, but Mr. Crouch doubted this very much, and con-
sidered that the present house is really a portion of the old building. Due thanks
was rendered to Mr. George Brown and his family for allowing the house to be
inspected.
Returning to Trinity Church, Barkingside (built 1840), on Mossford Green,
the church was inspected, and a visit was paid to the school-room, where quite an
interesting collection of various objects had been arranged. The Vicar exhibited
many historical relics, and some rare linguistic books, &c. A useful collection of
trade products, raw materials in process of manufacture, minerals, &c., the pro-
perty of Mrs. Denham, and now employed as a school museum, was also arranged
for inspection on the tables.
The beautiful grounds and greenhouses of Great Gearies were then visited, by
special invitation of Mrs. Whitbourn, and the choice collections of Cypripediums
and Orchids were shown and explained by the head gardener, Mr. Douglas, who
is himself a member of the Club.
The members then drove to Little Gearies, and were most kindly and hospit-
ably received by Mrs. Edenborough and her family, cur member, Mr. Edenborough,
being away from home through illness. After tea, most charmingly served on the