COUNTESS OF WARWICK'S RECEPTION. 177
The Meeting was planned to afford an opportunity of visiting a district
but little known to the majority of its Members, and to take advantage of the
kind invitation of the Earl and Countess of Warwick to the Club to visit
them at their charming residence, Easton Lodge. Occasion was also taken
to place before the Members the importance of the vigorous and widespread
efforts now being made to hinder the rapid effacement of many interesting
species in our British Fauna and Flora, more especially among the class of
insects and some of our local plants.
The greater number of Members assembled at about 9.30 at Bishop's
Stortford Station on the arrival of the 8.45 train from London. A wait of
nearly an hour was necessary for the arrival of Members from Colchester,
Maldon, and Chelmsford ; but there was much to be done in the time.
On arriving at Bishop's Stortford, the party proceeded to the site of
Waytemore Castle, where they were met and hospitably entertained by
Mr. Marshall Taylor. Mr. G. E. Pritchett, F.S.A., conducted the party
over the site, pointing out the probable position of the Castle buildings, of
which there are now no remains above ground, and also the remains of the
outer wall of the Keep which are still to be seen on the summit of the Mound
to the N.E. of the site of the Castle.
As Waytemore Castle was so well described by Mr. Edward Taylor,
F.L.S., on the occasion of the visit of the Essex Field Club in 1888 (see
Essex Nat., vol. ii., pp. 221-224), it will not be necessary to repeat the
description here.
The chief object of interest is the Mound itself, upon which the Norman
Keep was subsequently built in the nth century.
The history of the Mound is still involved in obscurity. We may,
however, at once dismiss the idea that it was raised by William the
Conqueror, for the purpose of building his Keep upon it, although Chauncey's
remark in his History of Hertfordshire might lead one to think that the notion
was prevalent in his day. Whether the Saxons made use of it or not we do
not know, probably they did ; but we have evidence that the Romans
occupied the site, and some competent judges have given it as their opinion
that the Mound is pre-Roman.
The position, in marshy ground, in the centre of the valley, with the
river flowing all round it, would appear to point to the idea that its original
purpose was one of defence, and not of burial. This doubt as to its origin
can only be satisfactorily solved by careful excavation under competent
superintendence. We trust that the present owner (Mr. Marshall Taylor)
will be willing to consider this suggestion if he is approached upon the
subject.
On the proposal of the President; Mr. Howard, a cordial vote of thanks
was passed to Mr. Marshall Taylor, for his kindness to the party.
On leaving the Castle, the visitors inspected the "Black Lion," in Bridge
Street, and the "White Horse," in North Street, both good specimens of
late 16th century building.
At the "Chequer's Inn," in North Street, the already considerable party
Was greatly augmented by the arrival of the Mid- and North-Essex Members,
1 The above notes were courteously given to the Editor by Mr. Glasscock, one of the
Conductors of the day.