THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
225
FIELD MEETING AT HATFIELD BROAD OAK AND
IN HATFIELD FOREST (689TH MEETING).
SATURDAY, 27TH JUNE, 1931.
A party of over thirty persons, some travelling by private motor-coach
others coming in their own cars, assembled at Hatfield Broad Oak at
11.30 o'clock for the purpose of inspecting, under the capable guidance
of Mrs. A. R. Hatley, B.Sc., some of the more notable buildings in this
picturesque little town, and later, under Miss G. Lister, F.L.S., of re-
visiting the delightful seclusion of Hatfield Forest, now happily, thanks
to the generosity of the late Edward North Buxton and his son, Gerald
Buxton, public property administered by the National Trust.
Before reaching our first objective, the coach-party had pointed out
to it en route, by Mrs. Hatley, the effect of a local patch of gravel in pro-
ducing a flat heathland (Hatfield Heath), the meeting-place of many
converging roads : and, soon after passing "Ongars," the coach was
stopped to allow the visitors to enjoy the distant view of Hatfield Broad
Oak, across the valley of the Pincey Brook.
The parish church of St. Mary the Virgin was first visited. Here, to
the party seated in the nave, Mrs. Hatley gave a most interesting account
of the topographical and geological features of the district, and of the
history of the town and its church. She had kindly prepared for the use
of the party a number of coloured sketch plans of the church and other
buildings, which she distributed to the members for their better informa-
tion, and these proved to be of inestimable service and were greatly
appreciated. Mrs. Hatley pointed out that the existing church was the
nave of the former cruciform Priory Church, having been separated by a
screen-wall by the townsmen to serve as their parish church, in the early
15th century, owing to a disagreement between them and the monks of
the adjoining priory. The Priory of Hatfield was a small establishment
founded circa 1135, and after the Dissolution the monastic buildings and
the priory church were demolished, leaving the original nave (the parish
church) and its stately western Tower, erected in the early 15th century,
standing.
A detailed inspection of this beautiful church was deferred until later
in the day, as an invitation-visit had to be paid to the "Town Farm"
in Cage End, where the visitors were most cordially welcomed by Mr.
and Mrs. Melliss, the owners and occupiers. "Town Farm" is a 15th
century building, containing a large amount of oak studding and ceiling
rafters : it was originally an open central hall type of dwelling, but in
1630 the upper part of the hall was floored off to make an upper storey ;
one of the beams above the fire-opening in the dining room bears the date
(1630) above a carved Tudor Rose and a five-pointed star, which latter
would seem to indicate a connection with the De Veres. The drawing room
shows some ornamental pargetting of geometrical patterns over the
fireplace, and another room is lined with 17th century oak panelling
(introduced) and has an oak raftered ceiling. The garden front of this
delightful and well-cared-for mediaeval dwelling exhibits some charming
pargetted gables. On taking leave, the Hon. Secretary expressed to
Mr. and Mrs. Melliss the warm thanks of the party for the opportunity
so kindly afforded of inspecting their abode.