THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
271
In the new building which arose on the site in 1832, a number of
fittings from the older structure are preserved, among these are a series
of plaster medallion busts in black of Octavius Augustus and Alexander
the Great, cartouches of the Arms of the Grocers Company and of the
Company of Merchant Adventurers (of which Companies John Lambert
was a member), the Tudor Royal Arms and other subjects.
Finally, in quite recent times, the house has been converted into
three separate holdings.
At the conclusion of these interesting visits the party adjourned to the
Barclay Hall Restaurant at Woodford Wells, where tea was served. Miss
Lister voiced the feelings of the visitors by offering the best thanks of the
party to our conductor, Mr. Crouch, who had, by his diligent researches,
revived so many interesting associations in connection with the old
houses of Woodford.
THE ANNUAL MEETING (699TH MEETING)
and the 700TH ORDINARY MEETING.
SATURDAY, 19TH MARCH, 1932.
Ill consequence of the incidence of Easter, the above meetings were
held at an earlier date in the month than is customary. Both meetings
were held in the Physics Lecture Theatre of the Municipal College, Romford
Road, Stratford, the President, Sir David Prain, C.M.G., CLE., F.R.S.,
etc., being in the Chair. As a consequence of the unavoidable, alteration
in tho date, the attendance of members was small, only 31 being present.
Miss Elizabeth Newbury, of 62, Coventry Road, Ilford, and Major
Anthony Buxton, of Horsey Hall, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, were
elected to membership of the Club.
Mr. John Avery exhibited the original pencil sketch, by Bartlett, of
Spains Hall, Finchingfield, which was afterwards engraved in Wright's
History of Essex.
He also exhibited an interesting manuscript Town's Book of Finching-
field, being the Minutes of various meetings held in connexion with the
town. The first portion of the book contains a record of the minutes
from 23rd October, 1626, to February 18th, 1633, and further records of
parish matters from January 26th, 1636, to June 5th, 1680. The minutes
of the first series appear to have been signed by every person present
and they include the signatures of Stephen Marshall, William and Robert
Kempe, of Spains Hall, Robert Harrington and other prominent townsmen.
The Rev. Stephen Marshall was Puritan vicar of Finchingfield from
1023 until his death in 1653. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, but
his body was in 1661 ignominiously exhumed, after the Restoration.
Amongst other matters included in the. manuscript there is "An
Account of what writings are in the towne chest upon the 6 day of
February, 1684."
Mr. Main exhibited some living millepedes (Polydesmus) with their
"nests."
The Curator showed 42 topographical photographs of Woodford and
Wanstead from the Club's Pictorial Survey Collection.