There were other tea gardens and refreshment places round the
forest. Premises at Buckhurst Hill were advertised in "Lines Popular
Guide" in 1883 as "The Forest Retreat, Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill.
The TENT, which stands in the very heart of this rural and most
healthy part of Epping Forest. Will seat 500. The main entrance to the
TENT is from the Forest and this entrance can be seen from the
Railway Platform. Schools or Private parties accommodated by
Contract or otherwise. Bands of Hope and Schools supplied.
Provisions of the best quality supplied, J. Bushell (Late I. Death)
Proprietor. Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill. Not open for business on
Sundays. Thanking friends for past favours". This retreat was
operating in 1882. In Kellys Essex Directory we find an entry for
"Bushell, Jeremiah, coffee rooms, Albion House, Princes Road,
Buckhurst Hill". In addition, Mr. Bushell was also described as a
shoemaker. A similar entry appears in the London Post Office
Directory for 1884. No other entry appears until 1890 when as C. Bailey
and Sons the retreat appears with the note "Good accommodation
for school treats and picnic parties, entrance from a delightful part of
the forest, Princes Road, three minutes walk from G.E.R, station".
The entries continue in this name until 1902 when apparently Mr. C.
Bailey had passed on for the entry continued in the name of Mrs.
Charlotte Bailey and Sons. As we have learned from the account of
the Chingford retreat apparently John Riggs junior took over this
retreat in about 1903, but he did not remain there long for in 1908 a
local baker, Albert Henry Voysey who previously had premises in
Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, had taken over the retreat. In an
advertisement issued in 1908, we read "An ideal spot for a Sunday
School Treat or a day's excursion PRINCES RETREAT, Princes Road,
Buckhurst Hill. Situate in a most beautiful part of Epping Forest known
as Lords Bushes. Only 5 minutes walk from Buckhurst Hill Station
G.E.R. Good sanitary arrangements — plentiful supply of pure drinking
water free. All goods manufactured at our own bakery therefore
guaranteed to be of best quality. Luncheons, Dinners and Teas at
moderate charges. Special attention to Sunday Schools, Bands of
Hope, Mothers Meetings etc., etc.. Cricket sets, Skipping Ropes lent
free of charge to Superintendent. Swings Donkeys &c. provided.
A.H. Voysey, Proprietor".
The Voysey's remained at the premises until 1917 when they left
to take over a bakery in London. After that date the premises remained
empty until re-opened by A.E. Burt who was an enthusiastic cyclist
and so attracted cycling clubs to visit the premises. He remained there
until 1935 but soon after that he left and once again the retreat ceased
to function. Albion House had been the property of H.W. Hatch, a
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