ANCIENT EARTHWORKS IN EPPING FOREST.
3
miles south of Ambresbury Bank, which is a quadrangular
earthwork, and also in the forest. The proximity of these
two camps naturally suggested a relationship between them,
and the probable existence of traces of ancient occupation in
the intermediate space. The results of repeated search
show that these conjectures may not be without confirma-
tion. But at present we may proceed at once to Ambresbury
Bank, and see what that is.
The pedestrian may pursue a pleasant route through one
of the most romantic portions of the forest. Let us then
journey northwards, across the plateau, through Little
Monkwood, over a deep valley, and through Great Monk-
wood—names which will remind us of the venerable Abbey
of Waltham on the other side of the western hill. We
emerge near the keeper's lodge upon the ancient road
through Loughton to Epping. It will be best not to tempt
the forest again here, so we follow the road past the Wake
Arms and towards Epping. Ere long we come to a road
branching to the left, and leading by the old foundation
known as Copped or Copt Hall, and to Waltham Holy Cross.
Upon our right we see a white post, which the Corporation
of London has fixed as a parish boundary, and close at hand
is Ambresbury Bank.
This camp has been long known, but very much neglected,
although both interesting and important as an ancient re-
main.3 It is quadrangular, and for that reason may be
assigned to another race than that which formed the
Loughton Camp. The irregular circular contour of the
latter contrasts remarkably with the straighter lines and the
positive angles of the former. I suppose the Ambresbury
Bank to be Roman, or the result of Roman inspiration.
What the other is I leave to practical archaeologists to
determine ; but possibly the local association of Ambresbury
or Amesbury with Queen Boadicea ought to be transferred
to the Loughton camp. Of the name Ambresbury, I shall
have a word to say before I conclude, but propose now to
attempt a slight description of the place.
3 There are notices of it, I believe, in
some of the books which relate to the
topography of Essex, such as that of
Morant ("History and Antiquities of
Essex." London, 1768). I am told that a
plan of it occurs in Elisabeth Ogborne's
"Essex," vol. i. (London, 1814.) Am-
bresbury is also indicated in most, but
not all of the maps of the region and
county. The name "Boadicea's Camp"
is sometimes given to the Ambresbury
Bank, and there is a tradition or legend
that the British queen met her death in
the neighbourhood.