THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 175
MEETING IN THE WOODHAM FERRERS DISTRICT
(794TH MEETING).
SATURDAY, 17TH SEPTEMBER, 1938.
A party of thirty members, packed into the one railway coach available
descended on to the tiny platform of Stow St. Mary railway halt at 10.40.
o'clock, probably a unique event for the officials who issued tickets for this
most out-of-the-way destination.
The church of St. Mary, Stow Maries, only a short distance from the
halt, was the first objective. The moulded brick 16th cent. corbel-table
which crowns the north wall externally is a pleasing feature of this church,
which internally does not offer many outstanding points of interest.
From here, a cross-country walk of some 31/2 miles, over very hilly
ground, and with a detour to botanise in Martins Farm Wood, made the
party fully anxious for lunch, which was taken on the top of a rounded
downlike windswept hill (Bushy Hill) just over 200 feet above sea-level,
whence a most extensive view across the valley of the Crouch, to the
Laindon Hills, and far beyond even to the Kentish hills in the remote
distance, was appreciatively enjoyed.
On the way to Woodham Ferrers, Edwins Hall was visited, by kind
invitation of Mrs, Watson-Smyth, and thoroughly inspected. This com-
pletely-moated residence dates from the late 16th century, and contains
much 17th cent. oak panelling, and a handsome stone mantelpiece, which,
though clearly an original feature, was only discovered of recent years,-
having been masked by a more modern grate and mantel : two other stone
mantelpieces, but of plainer character, are in the house. After refresh-
ments had been kindly supplied, some particulars of the house and its
earliest owners were read by our hostess, and Mr. Glegg expressed the
thanks of the party to Mrs. Watson-Smyth for her hospitality. After a
ramble through the garden, leaves were taken and the visitors proceeded
across the fields to the church of St. Mary, Woodham Ferrers. Here Mr.
Salmon gave a brief description of the salient features of the edifice and its
monument to Mrs. Cecilie Sandys, 1610, which is thought to be the work
of Epiphanius Evesham, a famous sculptor of his day, who executed the
Rich monument at Felsted, and others in Kent, Sussex and other counties.
The nave of this church has 13th century arcades, the chancel dating from
late in that century. The former W. Tower of 15th cent. date, fell in 1703
and has not been rebuilt, only the bases of the walls now standing : judging
from these, the Tower must have been a fine one. The 13th cent. piscina
and the 15th cent. stoup at the south doorway are interesting features, and
many faint traces of wall-paintings, including a "Doom" over the chancel-
arch, are discernible.
From Woodham Ferrers, a privately-chartered coach conveyed the
party to Rettendon, where tea was taken in Rettendon Hall, now a public
tea-house; after tea, a short formal meeting of the Club was held, with
Mr. W. E. Glegg, vice-president, in the chair, when Miss Edith A. Robin,
representing the Natural History Society of the S.E. Essex Technical Col-
lege, Dagenham, was elected a member. The Hon. Secretary expressed
his appreciation of Mr. Salmon's pluck in carrying out his obligation to lead