Durrant on … Theydon Mount in 1887

The following is taken from ‘Durrant’s Handbook For Essex’ written by Miller Christy (Durrant &
Co., Chelmsford, 1887)
Theydon mount. A.1500;P. 148; Vicarage, value (with Stapleford Tawney) £750, 3 m,. E from
Theydon Bois, and S.E. from Epping.
Hill Hall, the property, but not now the residence, of the Smijth family, baronets, is a noble
quadrangular building, of large size, very massively built, and in the classic style of architecture,
though part of it dates from 1548.the entrance-hall, dining and drawing-rooms, library, &c., are
large and lofty apartments, hung with an extensive series of old family portraits. That of Sir
Thomas Smijth is ascribed to Titian, and another of Henry VIII. to Holbein. The view from the S.
front is a fine and very extensive one, stretching over the well-wooded park to the hills on the
opposite side of the Roding valley. The mansion was begun by Sir Thomas Smijth, who was born
at Saffron Walden in 1514. He was one of the most eminent statesmen and accomplished
scholars of his day, and held many important offices, including that of the secretary of state under
Edward VI. and Elizabeth. His “De Republica Angloum” is a well-known work. The Church (St.
Michael) was destroyed by lightning and rebuilt in 1600. It is a small building, occupying an
eminence in the corner of the park, and consisting of nave, chancel, and embattled tower, all of
red brick. The windows are chiefly square 2-light ones, but that of the E. end has three lights and
interlacing tracery. Within are some sumptuous monuments to the memory of the former owners of
Hill Hall., including a fine canopied one to the Sir Thomas Smijth already mentioned (1577) and his
wife; another with effigies to Sir William (1626), and several others. In the churchyard is a curious
epitaph to Philip Gloyns, who died in 1806. The Register dates from 1564.