138 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
side of the river, being some 20 feet above it, that no "wall" is
needed; but the high tides are only prevented from flooding the
west bank by a river wall or "innings" about 15 feet in height,
thrown up to prevent the "drowning" of the Manor Farm
meadows.5
From its general form and position, and by comparison with
other early works, we may well conjecture that this Camp is of pre-
historic origin, and was in all probability a British settlement, sub-
sequently occupied by the Romans, who commonly adopted such
sites for their own camps. The opinion has also been expressed
that it owes its origin to the Norman Conqueror, who made the
adjacent Abbey of Barking his residence until the conquered had
quieted down, or the Tower of London had been built (or rebuilt);
but this is, in the writer's opinion, extremely improbable, although
he may have pitched the camp of his army during that period upon
this ground.
In conclusion, I may be allowed to say a few words as an expres-
sion of the pleasure it gives me at all times to revisit this neighbour-
hood, having in past years spent so many happy days in the Manor
House of Little Ilford across the river, and here also, after my
friend's removal to the farmhouse within this Camp.
Haec olim meminisse juvabit.—Virgil.
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
Joint Visit of the Club and "The Sette of Chelmsford Odde
Volumes" to Castle Hedingham.
Wednesday, August 2nd, 1893.
An exceedingly agreeable joint excursion was made on the above date to this
interesting locality. The programme, or "index of proceedings" as it was
termed, was divided into chapters, gastronomical, ecclesiastical, artistic, topo-
graphical, antiquarian, and botanical, and under these headings a fancifully
worded description was given. The conductors or directors were, Messrs. Fred
Chancellor, J.P., E. A. Fitch, F.L.S., J.P., Walter Crouch, F.Z.S., A. C Freeman,
W. Cole, F.E.S., and Mr. E. Durrant.
Leaving London by train at 11.7, and Chelmsford at 12.5, the company, which
numbered between sixty and seventy, arrived at their destination shortly before
two o'clock. They at once proceeded from Castle Hedingham railway station to
the "Bell Hotel" in the village, for luncheon. Included in the bill of fare was
5 References to these "innings" may be seen in my paper on "Dagenham Breach," Essex
Nat., vol. vi., pp. 157-8.