REPORTS OF MEETINGS
235
Visit to Stansgate Abbey and Bradwell-juxta-Mare (912th Meeting)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, 1949
Two coaches left Woodford at 9.30 a.m. and proceeded by way of the
Southend Arterial Road. When several members had been picked up at
Gidea Park the party numbered forty-five and all were well equipped against
rain for it had been a wet night and more rain was forecast for the day. In
the event the mackintoshes could have been left behind, for the heavy rain
which fell during the day was very fortunately confined to the times when
members were in the coaches while each period devoted to walking and
exploration remained dry.
On reaching the Wickford turning the coaches left the arterial road and
passed through that town, busy with its Saturday marketing and on to Fam-
bridge where our member, Mrs. Rainier, who was to lead the party, soon
appeared. The journey was now resumed via Stow Maries and Mayland to
Steeple where the narrow road to Stansgate Abbey was taken. As rain was
still falling on arrival it was decided to take a somewhat early lunch sitting
in the coaches. During the meal Mr. Sparrow of Stansgate Abbey Farm
appeared and permission to view the remains of the Abbey was sought and
readily given.
Little remains of the Abbey, but a piece of wall about twelve feet long
containing Septaria and Roman brick was examined. Soon after mid-day
the rain ceased and members walked along the sea wall in an easterly direction.
The recent weather had favoured the development of many fungi and speci-
mens of Coprinus comatus (The Lawyer's Wig) and Lepiota procera (Parasol
Mushroom) were seen.
The tide being high, few shore birds were seen but a number of Cor-
morants and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were watched. The sight of
the former prompted our guide to enquire whether anyone knew where the
local Cormorants breed for the birds were very common and some were
present at all times of the year. This appeared to be somewhat of a mystery
and no one was able to answer the question. On reaching Ramsey Marsh
the walk was continued across the fields and here were seen a flight of Teal,
Curlew, Heron, Little Grebe, Snipe, Jack Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common
Gull and Sparrow Hawk.
On reaching the road again at Mott's Farm the coaches were waiting
and the party was transported to Bradwell Waterside where some time was
spent in bird watching and in such other pleasant pursuits as a party of
naturalists will always find when taken to a new locality. Next a brief call
was made at the church of Bradwell-juxta-Mare and the opportunity was
taken of inspecting this ancient and picturesque building.
Re-entering the coaches, the road towards St. Peter's Chapel was followed
to its end at Eastlands and thence the party proceeded on foot to the ancient
Saxon Chapel. This is surely a building of surpassing interest for its four
walls have withstood the vicissitudes of thirteen centuries. Built in the year
602 on the site of the gatehouse of the Roman fort of Othona, it was used by
the Benedictines for eight or nine hundred years and then endured use as a
barn for some 300 years before it was re-consecrated and restored to its
original use as a place of worship.
The party was kindly shown the Chapel by Mr. Murray Simmons of the
Othona Community who were camping in the vicinity and who held daily
services in the Chapel. The Rector of Bradwell-juxta-Mare, Rev. P. N.
Maitland, who had been unavoidably detained, arrived in time to tell the
members about the restoration which had been accomplished. An entirely
new barn-roof has been built to replace the former one which had been badly
damaged during the war and new flooring of cement slabs has been
provided. This had been so made that it can be easily moved when the