THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
317
At the church, which is dedicated to St. Peter, Mr. Barns favoured the
company with an account of the history of the edifice : although much
restored in 1883, the building presents much architectural interest,
including some 12th century work in nave and chancel, with 15th century
alterations. The grand stone tower is early 16th century, and the narrow
tower arch seen from the nave is of very pleasing character. In the
chancel the pillar-piscina, of Norman date (circa 1150) attracted
attention, the bowl alone being original, the pillar being a modern res-
toration. The doorway to the former rood-stair, its upper part only
left unblocked, the two elaborately carved chairs in the chancel (tempo
William and Mary) and the mutilated 15th century piscina at the E. end
of the south wall of the nave, were other objects of interest to the visitors
Various scratchings ("mason's marks") were noticed on the tower
arch-jambs and on the jambs of both the N. and S. doors to the nave,
and rubbings of several of these were taken.
While a few of the "weaker vessels" stayed behind at the church
the bulk of the party engaged on a further very hurried walk to the hamlet:
known as "Eastend," 11/2 mile farther on, where, at the old boarded
"Plough and Sail" inn, a motor omnibus was waiting, by arrangement,
to convey the party (including those of its members who had stayed
behind at Paglesham "Churchend") back to Rochford.
Tea was taken at the "King's Head" at Rochford, "in an upper
room" of the inn, following which the President thanked Mr. Harley
and Mr. Barns for their respective shares in arranging and carrying out
so enjoyable an excursion. A vote of thanks was warmly accorded
to these two gentlemen.
After tea a spare hour was agreeably spent in a ramble through the
town and an external inspection of Rochford Hall and the church, the
railway station being regained in time to catch the 6.55 train back to
town.
Several members of the party devoted special attention to the birds,
which, however, were not numerous. Those noted include Snipe, Magpie,
Herring Gull, Blackheaded Gull and Dunlin.
Mr. Paulson contributes the following list of lichens which he noted
during the day :—
Cyphelium inquinans Trev., on a wood post on the saltings.
Xanthoria parietina Th. Fr. and its form congranulata on brick walls.
Candelariella vitellina Mull.-Arg., on brick wall.
Physcia pulverulenta Nyl., do.
Physcia grisea A. Zahlbr., do.
P. hispida Tuckerm, do.
P. caesia Nyl. do.
P. orbicularis Dalla Torre & Sarnth, var. virella, do.
Lecanora campestris B. de Lesd.
L. muralis Schaer.
L. galactina Ach.
L. varia Ach.
Cladonia macilenta Hoffm., on old wood stump.
Buellia canescens De Not.