REPORTS OF MEETINGS
215
A complex series of foundations, of a date earlier than the upper
walls, as shown on the 18th century plans, have been found and are
believed to represent two earlier houses. The lowest, and therefore
the earliest, consists of a north-south wall in the centre of which is a
semi-circular bastion, supported by a massive buttress, extending to
the full depth excavated. The great depth of disturbed ground at this
point is clearly due to the fact that the excavation was made in the
centre of a filled in moat or ditch associated with the north-south
wall and bastion. The vaulted foundations of the second building, or
an extension to the first, were placed in this ditch. The discovery of a
large settlement crack in the corner of the bay window, probably due
to uneven settlement on the London clay infilling, leads to interesting
speculations.
The foundations of a line of arches reaching from the tower to the
southern face of the latest building have also been uncovered and a
large part of the plan of the western end of the house is now available
for comparison with plans in the Essex Record Office.
The finds indicate a late 14th or early 15th century date for the
earliest moated house.
It is hoped during the 1958 season to extend the excavations to the
centre portion and to excavate the kitchen quarters on the eastern side.
The work has been made possible by generous grants from the Essex
Field Club, the Essex Archaeological Society and the Brentwood Histor-
ical Society and by the exertions of many volunteers who are too
numerous to name individually.
ORDINARY MEETING (1016th MEETING)
Saturday, February 22nd, 1958
This meeting was held at the West Ham College of Technology at
3 p.m. The chair was taken by the President, Mr. E. E. Syms and
there was an attendance of thirty-five.
The following were elected to membership of the Club :—
Mr. W. D. Ian Rolfe, of the Department of Geology, University
of Birmingham, Edgbaston. Birmingham, 16.
Mr. D. J. Wiley, of 7, Naseby Road, Ilford.
The Secretary announced that the following had been nominated
for election to office for the year 1958/9: —
President: Mr. E. E. Syms, F.R.E.S., F.Z.S.
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. E. F. Williams, F.R.E.S, F.Z.S.
Hon. Secretary: Mr. Alwyne C. Wheeler.
Hon. Assistant Secretary: Miss A. V. Bristow.
Hon. Field Meeting Secretary: Mrs. S. G. Harley.
Hon. Curator (Epping Forest Museum): Mr. Bernard T. Ward.
Hon. Editor: Mr. C. B. Pratt, M.P.S, F.S.M.C.