200 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Great Canfield a fine specimen of barn-like church exists from
Early Norman times. Space forbids any description of this
architectural gem.
The churches of the whole area are of the forest type, simple
in form, with a low Gothic spire, often wood-shingled or
weather-boarded (c.f., Scandinavia and the Ardennes). They
frequently possess 14th and 15th century porches of great
beauty (as at Little Hallingbury). In many cases Roman
bricks were incorporated in Norman work. At Leaden Roding
the church is a fitting reminder of what is, after all, the basis
of the life of the district, for it is built of fragments and boulders
from the boulder clay.
The district which has just been described is destined to
remain agricultural for many a long year. Changes are taking
place within it by reason of increased motor facilities and by a
persistent, but as yet slight, invasion by Londoners. There were
never many crafts here, but nowadays they gradually disappear
to be replaced by establishments which deliver goods by
van from a few centres. Cottages are being bought at prices
prohibitive to the country folk by town dwellers, who form a
considerable proportion of the present population of the western
parishes. As yet the Roding valley remains almost as it was.
These changes render difficult the employment and housing of
the people, for the cost of living rises with the introduction of a
new social standard. It becomes important, therefore, that
more attention should be paid to districts hitherto neglected
by many lovers of Essex.
The East Anglian Institute of Agriculture has recently
stationed a lecturer at Dunmow to advise farmers. Members
of the staff are interested in assisting work that is undertaken.
Besides an agricultural and soil survey other branches which
might be taken up are the keeping of weather records, a study
of the flora and fauna, the weeds and the pond life. History
and traditions are also important when a place is undergoing
change, so that much could be done from the parish registers
and collections of letters and other documents still in existence.