300 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Benjamin Robert Haydon. Jeremiah Harman died at Adam's Court,
London, on February 7th, 1844, aged 80, childless, and was buried in
Woodford churchyard.
The Harmans were succeeded in ownership by the Warners, who
were not related to that notable Woodford resident, Richard Warner,
the compiler of "Plantae Woodfordienses," who lived at "Harts." The
Warners, before acquiring "Highams" by purchase, resided at the
"Clock House" near St. James' Street, Walthamstow, which was built
by Edward Warner, father of Edward Warner, of "Highams" ; this
second Edward Warner, who died in 1875, married Maria, daughter of
Thomas Carr, and she died in 1884, both being buried in Walthamstow
churchyard. Their son, Thomas Courtenay Theydon Warner, afterwards
created a Baronet, who was born on July 19th, 1857, and married
December 6th, 1883, the Lady Leucha Diana Maude, sixth daughter of the.
Earl of Montalt, inherited the property and made it his home for many years
before leaving it for Brettenham Park, Suffolk. In 1891 this gentleman sold
30 a. 2 r. 39 p. of his park land for £6,000 as an addition to the Forest,
the money being raised by subscription, to which the Corporation of
London contributed £3,000, the Buxton family £1,800, Walthamstow
£500, Woodford £250, the Draper's Company £210. Mr. Courtenay Warner
£100 and other subscribers £140. This addition to the Forest was opened
to the public on June 6th, 1891, by H.R.H., the Duke of Connaught,
who said : "I now declare this newly acquired land and water to be
"part and parcel of Epping Forest, and to be dedicated to the use and
"enjoyment of the public for ever." After Sir Courtenay Warner ceased
to reside here, "Highams" was tenanted for a time by Lady Henry
Somerset, who was followed by Dr. Jacob, Bishop of St. Albans, who
left in 1914. During the War period it was used as a hospital, and
finally passed into the hands of the Essex County Council, who converted
and added to the house for educational purposes, and it is now the useful,
if not ornamental, Woodford County High School for Girls.
It is a matter for regret that it was thought necessary to cut down the
well grown trees which made the Chingford Lane side so picturesque,
but the march of so-called progress takes no count of pleasing amenities,
and post-war building operations have sadly spoiled the fine prospects
once obtainable.
A detailed inspection of the whole of the buildings followed, and
even the roof was visited to enjoy the extensive views afforded to the
westward. The new wing which forms the Assembly Hall for the entire
school of (at present) 472 girls, in which is a remarkable allegorical painting
of "The Spirit Triumphant," presented to the school by the artist, Mr.
A. Bowmar Porter, was greatly admired.
At about 5.45 o'clock, after thanks had been duly accorded to Mr.
Barns for his paper and to Miss Gordon for her kind permission to inspect
the school, the party dispersed.
VISIT TO LEIGHS PRIORY AND TERLING
(730TH MEETING).
SATURDAY, 12TH MAY, 1934.
In faultless summer weather with cloudless sky and a sun which became