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 



