pianoforte maker of Queens Road from whom it had been leased by
the various retreat proprietors. After the building had remained empty
for a short time, except the upper floor which was occupied by a
private tenant, Mr. Hatch sold it to G.C. Peacham whose son is now
the owner of the property. Mr. Peacham still has in his possession a
relic of the retreat in the form of a copper tea urn. The premises are
now used by the local pigeon fanciers club, and probably with Butlers
Retreat building at Chingford, the only entire retreat buildings still
standing. A long wooden shed was used as the restaurant and dining
room and the swings and donkey rides operated on that part of Lords
Bushes immediately at the rear, where during the past decade the local
authority sought and were granted permission to lay out a "children's
playground" with swings, turntables and see-saws.
Gray's Retreat, Theydon Bois
In a list of holiday resorts for excursionists in Lines Guide appears
the following:— "Forest Lodge Tea Gardens (opposite the 'Roebuck')
Buckhurst Hill. Schools and Parties accommodated with Dinners and
Teas at moderate charges. One shilling ordinary on Sundays. Hot
water supplied. Proprietor, J. Guy". An inspection of the various
directories show that John Guy maintained the establishment as a tea
garden until 1910. It is interesting to note that in 1898 there is a double
entry in his name at this address, one describing the tea gardens, the
other giving his business as plumber and gasfitter. One of Mrs.
Turner's daughters recalls that when her mother, as manageress of
Riggs Retreat, Theydon Bois, needed plumbing services it was John
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