20 EPPING FOREST.
granted by Queen Elizabeth to the poor of the
parish, but it is probable that it had a much
earlier origin. It is further believed that it was
held subject to the condition that on the nth
of November in each year the inhabitants should
perambulate the Forest, and that, at the stroke of
midnight, the oldest of them should drive an axe
into one of the branches. Other parishes are said
to have enjoyed similar privileges, but to have lost
them through omitting this ceremony. But these
beliefs are not supported by any evidence. Will-
ingale's defiant act was treated by the Justices
as a theft, and he, not having knowledge enough
to assert his right before them, was imprisoned.
His case was, however, supported by the above
named " Commons Preservation Society," and the
necessary funds being supplied by a member of
it, an action was commenced in support of the
lopping right, and this step, involving a legal claim,
had necessarily the effect of maintaining the status
quo in Loughton Forest pending the decision of the
case. Although this case dragged its slow length
for several years, and was never finally decided, it
had the most important consequences. The time
gained, during which the Forest was practically
saved from further inroads, allowed public interest
in the question to grow, and brought into the field
more powerful combatants, whose resources were
used to raise wider and more far-reaching issues.
Still the attitude of the lords of the manor
was so confident, and the combined front which
they showed was so firm, that they succeeded
in persuading the Government of the strength
of their case, and a Bill was actually introduced
into Parliament by the First Commissioner of