184 THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 



sion, Mr. Crouch pointed out tliat "to enjoy the woodlands _vet left we must 

 mount higher up into the belt of the forest by Grange Hill to Crabtree Wood, or 

 a piece by Hog Hill, and there as of old the ladies can 



Like Robin Hood, still feel themselves the free, 

 And draw their beaux beneath the greenwood tree." 



Mr. W. Cole added a few remarks on some points in the history of the forest. [Mr. 

 Crouch's and Mr. Cole's notes will be printed in full in a later number of the 

 E.N.]. 



The accompanying view of Fairlop Oak is from an old print published at the 

 beginning of this century, the block of which has been kindly presented by 

 Mr. Crouch. (See Plate V.) 



A slight sketch was also given by Mr. Crouch on the surroundings, especially 

 relating to the Claybury Hall estate (230 ft., O.D.), and the new Middlesex 

 Lunatic Asylum, illustrated by a copy of the architect's (G. T. Hine of Notting- 

 ham) designs and ground-plan and some views of the old hall, which will still 

 remain as a prominent feature of the park. The old bridle-path through the 

 great gate across to the side of Toms Wood has since been closed, and a footpath 

 formed further south. 



The Vicar discoursed on fairs in general, and "Fairlop Fair" in particular, 

 and the eccentric Mr. Day — "good Day" as he was dubbed — who dined his 

 friends each year on beans and bacon beneath the old oak. 



The drive was then continued by Oak Row to Mossford Green, and a visit 

 paid to Gaysham Hall, where Mr. Crouch read some notes on the estate, and 

 some good old panelling, &c., was seen. In 1360 it was the property of Thomas 

 de Sandwich, proveditor of the household to Edward the Black Prince, who held 

 it under the Abbess and Convent of Barking, with about 160 acres of land. It 

 was subsequently owned by Sir William Denham, Clement Sisley (who built 

 Eastbury House), and the Breame family, aisd was sold in 1609 to Gabriel Wight, 

 in whose family it has been handed down, and formed part of the estates of the 

 Hibbit-White family, but was sold soon after the death, in 1867, of Mr. John 

 Wight-Wight of Blakeley Hall, who died intestate. 



Lysons tells us that the old Manor House, which was built of timber and very 

 spacious, was pulled down, but Mr. Crouch doubted this very much, and con- 

 sidered that the present house is really a portion of the old building. Due thanks 

 was rendered to Mr. George Brown and his family for allowing the house to be 

 inspected. 



Returning to Trinity Church, Barkingside (built 1840), on Mossford Green, 

 the church was inspected, and a visit was paid to the school-room, where quite an 

 interesting collection of various objects had been arranged. The Vicar exhibited 

 many historical relics, and some rare linguistic books, &c. A useful collection of 

 trade products, raw materials in process of manufacture, minerals, &c., the pro- 

 perty of Mrs. Denham, and now employed as a school museum, was also arranged 

 for inspection on the tables. 



The beautiful grounds and greenhouses of Great Gearies were then visited, by 

 special invitation of Mrs. Whitbourn, and the choice collections of Cypripediums 

 and Orchids were shown and explained by the head gardener, Mr. Douglas, who 

 is himself a member of the Club. 



The members then drove to Little Gearies, and were most kindly and hospit- 

 ably received by Mrs. Edenborough and her family, cur member, Mr. Edenborough, 

 being away from home through illness. After tea, most charmingly served on the 



