162
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
one of considerable interest, dating in part from the 11th century and
possibly from just before the Norman Conquest. The Chancel and S.
Chapel are 14th century work, the noble stone W. Tower and the S. Porch
being late 15th century. The Font is of Purbeck marble, with arcaded
sides, and dates from the 13th century. A stone panel, now inserted
in the N. wall of the Chancel, bears an incised Lombardic inscription to
Thomas de Crawedene, circa 1340, and is of especial interest. A faint
medieval inscription, scratched in a pier of the Nave adjoining the Tower,
was rubbed by several of the visitors, but could not be deciphered.
After a thorough inspection of this delightful church, and the ascent
by some of the party of the Tower, from whose lofty summit an extensive
view over the marshes, with the Thames Estuary and the Kentish coast
beyond, was obtained, leave was taken of the rector, who was warmly
thanked by the Hon. Secretary, in the name of the party, for his kindly
welcome and illuminating talk.
Leaving this still unspoilt village, the visitors made their way by
footpath to the neighbouring one of Corringham, where modern "progress"
is however more marked than in Fobbing. On the way, an elm-tree by the
field-path was found to be riddled by the larvae of the Goat Moth, a number
of specimens of these caterpillars, in all stages of growth, being "bagged"
by Mr. Hugh Main, who, in his customary "enthusing" manner, re-
counted the life-history of the moth to a band of interested hearers.
At Corringham church, dedicated to St. Mary, the rector, the Rev. F. E.
Davis, received the party at 4.15 o'clock and read some notes on the early
history of the village and the church. This church, too, is of great interest
architecturally, dating back, like its neighbour at Fobbing, to early
Norman, perhaps even to Pre-Conquest, times. The massive W. Tower
is of 11th century date and presents a noble aspect, seen from any angle.
The N. aisle and Chapel are 14th century, and the wooden 14th century
screen is noteworthy. Some good brasses occur, the best being a fine
demi-effigy of a former rector, Richard de Belton, which dates from about
1340, and represents him in mass-vestments.
After our President had thanked the rector for his reception of the party,
the visitors crossed over to the picturesque "Bull" inn, which faces
the churchyard, and went up into an upper room, where tea was taken.
A short formal meeting of the Club followed, with the President in the
chair, when Dr. D. R. Curnock, of "Allerford," 94, Hermon Hill, South
Woodford, E.18, was elected a Member of the Club. The President
expressed the thanks of the party to our Conductors, Mr. and Mrs. L. S.
Harley, and Mrs. Harley replied.
The visitors then separated, some making their way by local bus to
Stanford-le-Hope, others to Pitsea, to catch trains back to town, still
others, more fortunate, returning by car.
THE ANNUAL FUNGUS FORAY
(in conjunction with the British Mycological Society) (721st Meeting).
SATURDAY, 14TH OCTOBER, 1933.
The Club's Fungus Foray, held as usual in Epping Forest, was this
year marred by most inclement weather, the more unexpected as it was
accompanied by a rising barometer which had promised a fine day.