ITS TOPOGRAPHY 25
and formal vista from Wanstead House. From a
plan, dated 1735, in the possession of the Trustees
to the Earls of Mornington, and prepared by a
French landscape-gardener named Roche, who
seems to have derived his inspiration from the
gardens of Versailles, it appears that several other
rectangular sheets of water of a similar character
were designed, some of which could never have
been completed.
From the grotto the path follows the verge of
the lake [near the north end of the lake a path
on the left leads to the high road to Snaresbrook
Station] and, circling round its northern end,
returns by the opposite side, passing the Lincoln
Island, upon which is the heronry. Formerly the
herons preferred the island in the upper pond, to
which they gave its name, but many years ago
they migrated to Lincoln Island, and have ever
since built their nests in comparative seclusion on
the tops of its highest trees. The crowds who
now assist at the spectacle do not seem to have
given them notice to quit. On the other hand
I am rather alarmed at the great increase in the
numbers of the rooks, which build close to them
and which are continually chasing them in the air.
To complete the circuit of the lake is a walk of
rather more than a mile. To reach Manor Park
or Forest Gate Stations, follow the southern
boundary of the Park as far as the new road; this
leads to Wanstead Flats, on the opposite side of
which, in a southerly direction, is Forest Gate
Station. If bound for Manor Park Station turn
to the left on reaching the Flats, and opposite the
gates of the Cemetery strike across the eastern
corner of the Common.
ROUTE B
LEYTONSTONE TO WOODFORD OR BUCKHURST HILL
43/4 miles to Woodford ; 53/4 miles to Buckhurst Hill
After leaving Leytonstone Station, follow the
High Street to the north for a quarter of a mile.