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THE ESSEX NATURALIST
The Abbey became the centre of economic life in North-west Essex, and
the magnificent sanctuary built on to the gate chapel remains as evidence
of an ambitious scheme for building which was cut short by the Black
Death. The domineering Marchioness of Dorset leased the Guest Hall,
and her son, George Medley, who was in occupation, was the uncle of
Lady Jane Grey. Lady Jane spent her last Christmas here at a three-
months' house party in the Manor House which was established from the
Abbey ruins after the Dissolution.
The Church contains the brasses of Lady Jane's uncle and of her great-
aunt, Mrs. Danet. There is a brass inscription from the grave in the aisle
of one of the abbots—his epitaph says "he loved this place". The chancel
screen and gallery have gone, but the position of the steps can be seen on
either side. Other points of interest are the fine and rare decorated window
tracery and the sedilia for priest, deacon and sub-deacon in the High Mass
of Cistercian times. These both date to 1340. i.e., just before the Black
Death, when it was evidently intended to restore the whole of the Church.
This plan came to naught, and the nave of 1220 remains intact. Peculiar
to Tilty is the double piscina for use by the priest and deacon in cleansing
the sacred vessels. The recent west window is interesting in its association
with a contemporary experiment in community living and the Vicar's part
in it.
In the field adjacent to the Church most of the foundations of the large
Abbey have been traced, and elaborate underground drains feed the present
pond, once the Claypit of the brickworks. Some remains of the Abbey
brickwork, with original paint still adhering, can be seen at the back of
the Church. The present churchyard was once a market-place or courtyard.
After examining the Church and Abbey remains, the party went to the
nearby Flemish water-mill and, by the courtesy of the miller, were able
to see its three floors and to watch the machinery in operation. Lunch
was taken in a field near Duton Hill, and then the walk of three miles
along the Chelmer to Thaxted Station was embarked upon. Although the
footpath was much overgrown, fine views of Thaxted Church were obtained
and a good list of flowering plants was compiled.
At Thaxted Station, the coach, with some members who had not under-
taken the walk, was waiting, and there was a little time to look at the
almshouses and the windmill in Thaxted before it was time to enter the
Church. The Vicar kindly met us and conducted the party over the
magnificent Church. The present nave belonged to the building of 1340, and
the enlargement to its present size progressed from 1360 until the com-
pletion about 1510. The spire of the 15th century was blown down and
was re-built in 1822. The newly-whitened walls showed up to great
advantage the spacious interior with its hanging banners and well-placed
flower arrangements.
On leaving the Church the party went by coach to Bardfield End where,
at the Guest House, a most enoyable Cornish Cream tea was served, and
afterwards the usual short formal meeting of the Club was held.
After tea the coach was taken back to Thaxted where some time was
spent in watching the Midsummer Eve Country Dancing. This spectacle
proved so attractive, with its background of the picturesque 15th Century
Guild Hall of the Cutlers, that members could not be persuaded to leave
until they had seen the impressive Bishop's Horn Dance. At 7.30 p.m.
the party left the pleasant scene for the journey home through Hatfield
Broadoak, Epping and Loughton.