120
THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
history and architectural features of the fabric of which he is the acknow-
ledged historian, his illustrated booklet, "The Story of St. Andrew's
Church, Hornchurch" (written in collaboration with Mr. C. T. Perfect)
being much in demand by the visitors.
Mr. Eisdell referred to the priory of St. Bernard in Savoy, which
established a cell in Hornchurch in the year 1160, and whose crest, a bull's
head with horns, accounts in all probability for the name of the village and
for the well-known stone representation on the apex of the E. wall of
the chancel. During the French wars of the 14th century, this Priory,
with other alien foundations, was seized by the Crown, and at the end of
the century the Priory and its church were purchased from the Crown by
William of Wykeham for his " New College " at Oxford, which still appoints
a "vicar temporal" or "chaplain" to the living.
During the detailed inspection of the building which followed, the parish
registers (dating from 1576) and the church plate (which includes a cup and
cover-paten of date 1563) were exhibited to the party: and much interest
was shown in the many brasses and indents which stud the chancel floor,
especially the elaborate brass to one of the priors, Sire Boneface de Hart,
circa 1330, comprising a foliated cross with two demi-effigies and shields,
within a marginal inscription in separate Lombardic letters of which only
two yet remain.
Leaving the church, after due thanks to Mr. Eisdell for his valued in-
struction, the visitors proceeded to Nelmes, an old manorhouse dating
from the 16th century, with later additions, where they were welcomed by
the owner, Mr. R. B. Flatford, who, in the regretted absence of his wife
owing to illness, himself conducted the party on a detailed inspection of the
house and grounds, including the conservatory and greenhouses. The
great feature of this house is the late 17th century main staircase, which
has a heavy balustrade of richly carved open panels between massive
panelled newels terminated by ball heads: many other points of interest
were noted in this house, including a ''powder closet'' opening out of one
of the bedrooms.
Tea was taken in the Dining Room, after which the Hon. Secretary
expressed the grateful thanks of the party to our host for his enthusiastic
guidance and hospitality. Mr. Flatford replied suitably, and at 6.15
o'clock leaves were taken and the party dispersed for home, well content
with their afternoon's experience.
ANNUAL MEETING (788TH MEETING) AND
789TH ORDINARY MEETING.
SATURDAY, 26TH MARCH, 1938.
These meetings were held at 3 o'clock on the above date in the Physics
Lecture Theatre of the Municipal College, Romford Road, Stratford, with
the President, Mr, John Ramsbottom, O.B.E., Pres.L.S., Dr.Sc, etc., in the
chair. 35 members attended.
The ordinary meeting was held first.
Mrs. D. G. Graddon, of "Westholme," 32, Woodland Way, Woodford
Green, Essex, and Mr. S. Ernest Linder, B.Sc, of "Leodholt," 9, The
Drive, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, were elected members.