100
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
Leaving this interesting church, after our President had thanked Mr.
Garner for his much-appreciated description, the party proceeded to in-
spect the village lock-up in Anchor Lane, in which is preserved the stocks,
designed to accommodate three evildoers at a time; the carved endpost
of the stocks bears the date 1775.
From Canewdon a walk was entered upon, by road, field and marsh to
Creeksea Ferry on the river Crouch, opportunity being taken to note the
wildflowers en route. But few birds were in evidence, but some members
of the party had a good view of a kingfisher as it flew along a creek, its
metallic plumage gleaming like a living topaz in the sunshine.
The passage across the Crouch was effected, in two parties, by motor-
boat, the water quite choppy owing to the stiff breeze.
At Grove Cottage (or, as the present occupier prefers to call it, the "Old
"Cottage"), the visitors were welcomed by Miss Jacob, who kindly con-
ducted us over her charming abode; the Old Cottage was built in 1569
and restored in 1904, and is a very pleasing example of half timber work.
A secret chamber was recently discovered in the wide chimney of the
Dining Room and may have been a "priest's hole" or, more probably,
served to hide the kegs of brandy which were notoriously smuggled into
the country in this district. Miss Jacob said that during the restoration
work, a pair of scissors, with points widely separated, was found beneath
the entrance doorway—interesting evidence of the former belief in witch-
craft in eastern Essex, since, it was supposed, no witch dared step across
steel ! Our hostess, who kindly allowed the party to partake of lunch in
her garden, was warmly thanked for her kindliness by our President.
After lunch, the visitors went on to Creeksea Place, which was opened
for our inspection by kind permission of the owner, Mr. B. MacCall. The
house, although but the northern portion of the mansion built in 1569,
the remainder being destroyed in 1740, is still au extensive and beautiful
example of sixteenth century domestic architecture: it has been con-
siderably restored. Mrs. MacCall very kindly herself conducted us through
the principal rooms, pointing out the many objects of note. The Dining
Room is a large, finely-proportioned room with 17th century oak-panelled
walls and a wide fireplace with the, original 16th century stone mantel.
The main staircase has a good 17th century balustrade with spirally
turned balusters: the secondary staircase has its original newel stair.
Externally, the "wall garden," now bright with petunias, is enclosed
by a mellowed red brick wall and gateway, the latter closed by an elaborate
wrought-iron gate. The 42 acres of grounds include a lake crossed by a
brick bridge—a most pleasing feature.
On taking leave, our hostess was thanked by our President in the name
of the party for her kindly offices.
A sharp walk along the river-wall brought the visitors to Burnham
town, where tea was taken in the White Hart Hotel on the quay. Here,
nominations were read in favour of four applicants for membership of the
Club.
After tea, the party walked, or took the town bus, to Burnham church,
dedicated to St. Mary, which stands a mile distant from the town itself.
Mr. Salmon read an account of the church which is mainly Perpendicular
(early 16th century) in its architecture, though the Tower and the Chancel