262
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Highams Park. The recently acquired strip of land adjoining the lake
in Highams Park, which has been added to Epping Forest, was inspected
and from a convenient view point near Highams Park railway station
another fine view across the valley of the Ching, with the town of
Walthamstow lying to the right, was enjoyed.
Passing Hale End Manor House, or, as it was also called, Stretman's
Farm, a small low white building close to the bank of the Ching, once
the property of and occupied by John Gurney Fry, son of Elizabeth Fry,
a little farther on The Chestnuts was reached, alate 18th century residence
with more modern wings, now used as a school for boys : the grounds
comprise over 14 acres of land. A finely grown Catalpa tree stands
on the lawn before the house and an old mulberry tree in the garden,
although decrepit and broken down, still bears abundantly.
The pond in the garden was seen to have its surface covered with
decayed leaves which all alike exhibited a beautiful purple colouration,
which was most striking. Subsequent microscopical examination of
the purple incrustation on the leaves proved that it was due to an immense
assemblage of a sulphur-bacterium, Lamprocystis roseo-persicina.
This house, now known as Oak Hill School, is mainly Georgian, the
centre portion being the oldest, the two wings having been built later
to give additional accommodation. The wings add symmetry to the
original house, which was very tall in proportion to its width. There
is a fair staircase of the period and the schoolroom has a white marble
fireplace. The cellars are extensive, and the roof is fine tiled work. The
house has associations with the Loxham family, several members of which
were prominent in local affairs, and are buried in Walthamstow church-
yard. Mr. George Glanfield resided here from 1885-1927, and at his
death the estate, consisting of nearly 15 acres, was sold. In the grounds
is a barn with a driveway through, an unusual feature in this part of
Essex.
Nearly opposite to the last house is Forest Hall, a late Georgian
building, now used as a children's home. An ornamental wrought iron
weather-vane on the stable bears the date 1775, which may be the date
of the building of the house. Mrs. Hamilton King, a lady with somewhat
more than a local reputation as a poetess, lived here for some years
prior to her removal to Chigwell, where she died in 1920.
Beech Hall was the last building visited, and this, now unoccupied,
was inspected inside and out. The exterior of the house is stuccoed and
so its distinctive features masked, but it is probably an older Georgian
erection, of early 18th century date. Edward Forster, junior, the well
known botanist, is believed to have resided here for about 25 years
and to have planted many scarce trees and shrubs in the formerly
extensive grounds.
From this interesting house the party, now clamouring for tea, made
its way to Woodford, where the Wilfred Tawson Hotel was reached at
6 o'clock and tea was taken. After tea the President, in the name of
those present, warmly thanked Mr. and Mrs. Hatley for the evident trouble
they had taken to ensure an enjoyable and interesting excursion.