160
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Tinder a containing arch, which is also pointed, marking a late stage of Norman
work.
The 13th century Early English nave of four bays, separated by octagonal
columns having curious capitals, had originally very narrow N. and S. aisles,
part of which latter still remains at the west end; both aisles were widened
later, the date of the N. aisle (c. 1440), being evidenced by the dripstone
corbel of one of its windows, which represents a female head wearing the
characteristic horned head-dress of the period.
To the south of the 15th century chancel is the Sussex chapel, erected
in 1583 by Thomas Radcliffe, Earl of Sussex, who owned New Hall, together
with all the other Boreham manors, by grant from Queen Elizabeth in 1573.
The chapel contains an elaborate altar-tomb with three male recumbent
figures in armour, carved in alabaster, these effigies being those of Robert
Radcliffe, died 1542, his son Henry, died 1556, and his son Thomas, died 1583.
At the foot of each effigy is crouched a curious apelike figure, wearing a
peculiar cap.
Leaving this interesting church the party made its way through the
meadows to the Chelmer and rambled along its banks for some distance,
noting the characteristic riverside plants; then, retracing their steps, the
visitors made their way to Little Baddow, which was reached shortly before
5 o'clock.
At "The Hoppet" Mrs. Briscoe and her daughter welcomed the party,
and tea was served in the garden in the grateful shelter of large elms.
After tea the Little Baddow Parish Registers and Churchwardens'
Accounts were exhibited by the rector, the Rev. J. Berridge; and our host
showed us the handsome two-handled silver communion cup, dated 1766,
possessed by the old Congregational Chapel, and also another dated 1824.
A general inspection of the garden and fruit ground followed, masses of
roses being everywhere in evidence.
Before leaving, the President warmly thanked our host and hostess for
their kindly hospitality, and further expressed the thanks of the party to
Mr. Briscoe for his leadership during the day's delightful ramble. Mr.
Briscoe briefly replied; and the conveyances having by this time arrived,
leaves were taken, and the visitors were driven back via Great Baddow
to Chelmsford, with ample time which allowed of a hurried glance at the
exterior of the Cathedral before leaving Chelmsford by the 8.7 train for
town.
FIELD-MEETING IN EPPING THICKS (550TH MEETING).
SATURDAY, 8TH JULY, 1922.
Following the recent inspection by the Club of the southern portions of
the Forest, Mr. Gerald Buxton kindly invited the members to visit him at
Birch Hall, Theydon Bois, and to inspect the northernmost portions of the
woodlands under his guidance. The present expedition was the outcome
of that invitation.
The party, numbering well over 40, assembled at Theydon Bois Station
at 2.30 o'clock, and proceeded by way of the Green, and past the Church
to the Forest, entering the woodlands at the back of "the Plain," which was
teaming with thousands of noisily happy London children "down for the