“A Historical Walk around Tawney and Mount” by Anne Padfield

Anne Padfield led members on a well-prepared circular walk around Stapleford Tawney and Theydon Mount. Starting at Little Tawney Hall with its hexagonal barn, the party visited The Old Rectory, dating from the 16th or 17th century, St. Mary’s Church and Great Tawney Hall, on the site of Richard de Tani’s manor house. Crossing the parish boundary, the walk continued through St Michael’s Church to Hill Hall, the earliest “classical” house in the country.

Many details were described; the village pound to the north of St Mary’s; a companion hexagonal barn; the classical features on the porch of St Michael’s; the origin of the name of the “Moletrap”. From the viewpoint at the side of Beachet Wood, some aspects of the evolution of Mount End are visible with the opportunity to compare the landscape with older maps.

The route allowed the group to view closely some of those houses mentioned in Anne’s inaugural talk to the Group. Anne’s commentary was expert as were the accompanying walk notes. There were 28 walkers over the 4.5 miles. Lunch was provided at the Moletrap. With great prescience, the excesses of the prevailing monsoon-like climate were also avoided.