THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 83
The 14th century south, or Lady, Chapel, is considerably above the
level of the chancel and in it are now contained the old pulpit and the old
clock, and a small museum. Perhaps the most noticeable feature is the
remains of a painting of the Doom or Last Judgment on the upper half
of the east wall, which depicts on the left architectural scenery and the
figure of St. Peter, apparently wearing the papal tiara, receiving the
souls ; round him are traces of mitred figures, one perhaps a cardinal,
possibly representing the four doctors ; on the right traces of winged cherubim
receiving souls and of the flaming jaws of hell receiving souls ; on the jaws
illegible black letter inscriptions. This painting is probably of late 14th
century work.
In the west Tower are portions of the old pillory and the stocks and
whipping post, the latter dated 1598.
You will appreciate the impossibility of giving anything but the
briefest summary of the history of this magnificent building in the course
of a short afternoon, or to point out any but the most important of its
architectural features and remains, but I think I have said sufficient to
enable you to feel something of the glamour and romance of the storied
past of Harold's foundation.
A detailed inspection of the Abbey church, both inside and out, fol-
lowed ; and, later in the day, in spite of recurrent heavy rain showers,
the delightful little Transitional Norman "potato cellar" (the only roofed
fragment of the monastic buildings still surviving) the 14th century four-
centred Bridge, locally but of course erroneously known as "King Harold's
Bridge," the Gateway to the former precincts of the monastery, and the
old-world market-place, the Romeland, were in turn visited.
Tea was taken at the Cock Hotel at 5 o'clock, when the President of
the Club, in the name of both Societies represented, warmly thanked
our two conductors for their services, which had resulted in such a pleasant
and instructive meeting.
The walk back to Waltham Cross station was undertaken in time to
allow of a train being caught for town at about 6.30 o'clock.
FIELD MEETING AT EAST HORNDON AND LITTLE
WARLEY (581st MEETING).
SATURDAY, 3RD MAY, 1924.
This was mainly a botanical field-meeting, held in a thinly-populated
agricultural portion of the County which had not hitherto been searched
by the Club for plants ; in particular, it was hoped to find the Fritillary
(Fritillaria meleagris) in flower in its natural habitat, as old records show
that it formerly occurred in the district to be traversed. The opportunity
was also taken to inspect some interesting old buildings in the course
of the day's ramble. Miss Edith Prince acted as conductor.
The party, of some 24 members, assembled at East Horndon station
at 10.19 o'clock, and proceeded by road to Little Warley Hall, which had
kindly been thrown open for inspection by the owner, Mr. James McConnell.
The Hall is a small, charmingly picturesque Tudor brick building.