THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
99
VISIT TO BEELEIGH ABBEY AND MALDON (628TH
MEETING).
SATURDAY, 25TH JUNE, 1927.
Some 34 members availed themselves of the privilege of inspecting
Beeleigh Abbey, the owner, Mr. R, E. Thomas, having kindly extended
a repeat invitation to the Club so as to enable members who had not
attended the earlier visit, on 2nd June, 1923, to view this charming unspoilt
mediaeval building.
The main party travelled down by motor char-a-banc, leaving the
Club's Museum at Stratford at 10.30 o'clock ; other members came by
private cars.
Beeleigh was reached at about 12.45 o'clock, a visit being first paid to
the "Beeleigh Falls," where lunch was despatched and general natural
history pursuits indulged in. A living mole was captured, and the mar-
vellous adaptation to its burrowing habits of its digging fore-paws, general
outline and sleek fur, attracted general interest. A nest of Willow-warbler
containing one egg, cunningly concealed in the herbage, was discovered.
Valeriana officinalis, Calamagrostis Epigejos, Acorus calamus and other
waterside plants were noted along the banks of the canalised Chelmer.
Our President, who accompanied the party, interested a group of
members by his exhibition and description of various water creatures,
such as the water-flea, Sida crystallina, and water-boatmen, Corixa, which
he dipped from the river.
At 2.30 o'clock Beeleigh Abbey was reached, and here the party was
welcomed by our host, Mr. R. E. Thomas, who conducted us in person
through the former Chapter House, the Calefactory, the Dormitory and
the various rooms of the later Tudor addition, as well as through the
gardens. Mr. Thomas favoured the visitors with an outline of the history
of the Abbey, which was founded in 1180 as a settlement of the Order of
Premonstratensians or White Canons, who migrated to Beeleigh from
Great Parndon, in the extreme west of the county, where they had an
earlier establishment, of which little is known. The Abbey was never a
wealthy foundation, and at the Dissolution in 1536 its gross income was
given as only some £196.
Much of the 13th century monastic building still remains in excellent
condition, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas's loving care, and, with the very
picturesque half-timbered Tudor addition, has been carefully incorporated
in the present day dwelling-house. The Chapter House and Warming
Room (circa 1225), with their Early English groined ceilings carried on
Purbeck marble pillars, are beautiful and satisfying examples of the
ecclesiastical architecture of the period.
At 4 o'clock, the President having thanked our host for the privilege
shown us by his personal guidance through his delightful old-world
domain, leaves were taken, and the party proceeded into the town of
Maldon, a mile distant by field path, where the Moot Hall was first visited.
The police court, magistrates' room, and Council Chamber were in turn
visited, and the ancient town charters, now framed and hung on the walls
of the latter apartment, were inspected. The Tower was ascended, and
an extensive view over the surrounding country and the Blackwater