First published in 1893 by Lawrence and
Bullen of London and republished here on fully-searchable CD-ROM is the
first edition (second series) of Essex: Highways, Byways and Waterways.
Containing 254 pages Barrett provides 114 pen-and-ink sketches
throughout the text mainly to provide 'antiquarian detail', whether it
be of wood, stone or metal.
Written and illustrated by
Charles Raymond Booth Barrett, conspicuous for his publications on the
Royal Hussars and Society of Apothecaries, Barrett had published the
first series of Essex Highways and Byways in 1892, but had quickly
realised that his tour of the county had generated so much information
that he could quickly bring a second edition - series - to press and
started writing this before the release of the first. The first series
witnessed the author touring the small towns and boroughs of Essex.
This publication sees him touring some of the smaller villages and
hamlets and the various stately homes and manor houses, both
resplendent and ruinous. Barrett begins his tour in the village of
Newport and travelling in a circular direction - by train it is assumed
as one of his credits goes to the general manager of the Great Eastern
Railway - west to east, finishing at Harlow.
Of the
resplendent manor houses left unchanged by time were those of
Faulkbourne Hall and Ingatestone, while others such as D'Arcy Hall and
Rayne were in a state of some decay and yet others, notably Rochford,
Netherhall, Beckingham, Dorewards and Rickling were in a most parlous
state. Special attention was paid by the author, not unnaturally, to
Waltham Abbey and the priory of St. Osyth.
Starting at
Newport, Barrett describes the village in peculiar detail, debunking
the possible myth that Nell Gwynn lived for a time here, before moving
on to Wicken-Bonhunt and Arkesden. At the former place, standing in
front of the new house known as Bonhunt Farm is a dilapidated little
chapel, with a tiny nave and chancel. Possibly vaulted, the author
attempted to gain access, but the small chapel, probably of Norman
origin, was in such a state of disrepair that it was feared that it
could collapse at any moment; and so Barrett moved on, next to Rickling
and Finchingfield and then to Panfield, Bocking and Braintree. Ending
his perambulations at Harlow the reader is left with a desire to learn
more about the antiquities and ancient architecture of Essex.
A
very readable and wonderfully-illustrated book that must certainly
recall a county that has changed beyond all recognition in the century
that has passed since Barrett undertook his tour. Fully-indexed, this
publication is heartily recommend to anyone interested in the history,
myth, legend and architecture of the Essex.
This
CD contains high quality scanned images of the original book, and has
been bookmarked for easy navigation. Pages can be searched, browsed,
enlarged and printed out if required.
