58
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
family, was built in Henry VII.'s reign. The rood-stair remains and a
modern Rood, with figures, is a memorial of the European War of 1914-18.
A walk to Ingatestone allowed time for the majority of the party to
visit the church, whose noble tower is one of the very best in our county.
Originally an aisleless Norman church, in the late 15th century the massive
red-brick W. tower and a S. chapel were added, the latter separated from
the chancel by a red brick arcade of three four-centred arches and piers.
The elaborate tombs of members of the Petre family, and the hour-glass
stand affixed to the N. wall of the nave, are of interest.
The remnant of the party (by now reduced to five !) separated in Ingate-
stone churchyard at just before 8 o'clock, after a long but most happy day.
The Misses Greaves and Prince, who acted as botanical recorders, report
a total of 160 plants found in flower during the day, of which the more
noteworthy were Chelidonium majus, Hesperis matronalis, Spergularia
rubra, Claytonia perfoliata, Trifolium ochroleucon, Peplis Portula, Lysi-
machia nemorum, Atropa Belladonna, and Milium effusum.
Mention must also be made of a fine mass of the Black Spleenwort
(Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum) found growing on a brick altar-tomb in
Blackmore churchyard.
MEETING AT RAYLEIGH AND HOCKLEY
(779TH MEETING).
SATURDAY, 18TH SEPTEMBER, 1937.
A day of brilliant sunshine, with a cool temperature, and but a single
short shower to mar an otherwise perfect day, induced some 25 members
to foregather at Rayleigh station at 10.35 o'clock, notwithstanding an
unpromising weather forecast following two days of heavy rainstorms.
Other members joined the party during the afternoon.
Arrived at Rayleigh, a visit was first paid to Rayleigh Castle earth-
works, now happily vested in the National Trust by the generosity of their
former owner, Dr. Francis. The steep mound, on which once stood the
nth century Norman keep built by Suene, was scaled with some difficulty
and many falls, owing to the slippery condition induced by yesterday's
heavy rain, but the extensive view from the summit amply rewarded the
visitors. Mr. Salmon, who as usual acted as conductor, remarked that the
Castle itself had become ruinous by or before the 14th century, and no
trace whatever of masonry now remains on the mound, which is some
50 feet high.
The quaint octagonal Dutch Cottage near the Castle, bearing date
1621, was noticed, and, passing along the High Street, the parish church
dedicated to the Holy Trinity was soon reached. Here, in the unavoidable
temporary absence of the rector, Mr. Howe welcomed the party and
pointed out the many interesting features possessed by this handsome
edifice, chief among which is the beautiful red-brick S. porch, of early
16th century date, with its crow-stepped parapet and trefoiled corbel
table and its brick vaulted soffit.
A portion only of the original Norman font, with square arcaded
sides, is preserved in the church, near its modern successor. A noticeable
feature of the interior is the large painted Consecration Cross by the