Fig 2. Rabbit netting in Epping Forest
pillow mound. It is a rounded oblong completely surrounded by a ditch and this may be the warren
mentioned.
The third warren mentioned also presents some problems as to its whereabouts. Mill Hill, as it was
known in the 18th century, is now Warren Hill. It is likely that this is a reference to the extensive
warren in the grounds of what is now the superintendent's office. The Warren. In the 18th century this
was an inn known as 'The Reindeer'. John Allen, the Inn Keeper, applied to Anne Whitaker, the lady
of the Manor of Loughton, in 1804 for a 20 year lease, to extend a previous lease (ERO., D/DU
182/19) 'for the messuage or tenement... commonly known as the Warren House of the Reindeer with
the coach houses, stables, outbuildings, gardens and orchards and one hoppit of ground stocked with
rabbits containing about 2 acres on the south side of the messuage and another hoppit of ground also
stocked with rabbits containing about 2 acres on the north side of the messuage ... '. There was a
further proviso in the indenture that the warren could be converted to orchard or garden but that if left
as a warren 7 dozen rabbits must be left in each hoppit and that any more than this would be paid for
by Ann Whitaker.
The name 'hoppit' indicates an enclosure of ground from the Forest (similar to the Barn Hoppit at
Chingford) and it may be that between 1753 and 1804 the warren which previously existed on the
open Forest had become enclosed. The indenture is of further interest since it mentions a 'Warren
House' the building from which a warren was administered. However, by 1816 the tavern was in a
run-down state (Repton and Repton, 1816) and with it the warren. The Reptons added ' ... Another
consideration... makes this place different from all others ... it is surrounded by a warren [the Reptons
state it covered 20 acres not totalling 4 acres as in 1804] by which the late owner made an object of
profit, tho' with the utmost difficulty could he preserve from these rapacious animals the vegetables
in the garden... the place altogether is a scene of slovenliness, with dirty ponds, and numerous puddles,
cess-pools, and traps for vermin in every part of the premises.' They noted that the surface presented
nothing but yawning chasms, or barren mounds of clay without a blade of grass and they finally
recommended the levelling of all the rabbit beds and burrows.
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