2
are described as serving " for convenient standing to viewe the
game." At that time, as has been proved by expert examination
during the re-construction, no glazed windows existed except on the
Ground Floor ; on each of the upper floors the spaces between the
main timber uprights, which are now filled in either with windows
or with lath-and-plaster, were open above breast height on all sides,
much like a racecourse stand of the present day. From here the
Queen and her Court had an extensive view over all the surrounding
country and could without fatigue watch the herds of deer which
were driven past the Lodge for inspection : to drain off the rain
which would drive in through these openings the floors were
originally " laid to fall."
QUEEN ELIZABETH'S HUNTING LODGE, IN EPPING FOREST.
The Lodge in 1833. From the " Mirror. "
The original entrance to the staircase, up the solid oak steps
of which, according to popular but unsupported tradition, Queen
Elizabeth rode her palfry, was by a door, which has now disappeared,
in the East wall at the foot of the stairs,