Reminiscences of Epping Forest

Transcribed from the 1873 edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
ISSUED BY J. GREEN , “THE ROEBUCK,” BUCKHURST HILL.
1873.
It is most desirable that the above charming locality should be better known to the inhabitants of London; but, to be fully appreciated, it must be visited and explored from time to time, but especially during the fine months of the year.
The popularity of this place was enhanced considerably by the formation of the Loughton, Woodford, and Ongar branch of the Eastern Counties Railway, although, prior to that, the prejudices against Essex scenery had kept many persons, who now wander about its sunny slopes with unmixed delight, from seeking air and exercise North-east of the Metropolis; indeed, when we take into consideration the “barr’d up” and comparatively exclusive character of the approaches to London in Kent, Surrey, and Middlesex, it is a matter of surprise and wonderment that there can be found people who prefer dusty roads (which are only enlivened by notices to trespassers of prosecutions with all the rigour of the law) to the jolly freedom connected with rambling in pure air only ten miles from London wherever their inclinations may lead them.
The Roebuck Gardens and Grounds have always been historically associated with the adjacent Forest, and the quaint old edifice has been referred to chiefly as the Foresters’ and Keeper’s Home for more than two centuries, so much so, that it was under the consideration of the late proprietors, Messrs. Green Brothers, at the suggestion of their neighbours and visitors to name it The Lord Warden’s Roebuck Hotel!
The situation (on the brow of a lofty hill), with two deep valleys on either side of it, watered by the rivers Lea and Roding, is scarcely to be rivalled, as to scenery, even by the far-famed contiguous eminence of High Beech.
In the extreme distance is the ancient town of Epping, from which the Forest takes its name, and “ye wodes of Waltham,” referred to in “Doomsday Book,” are on the opposite heights. To the North-west is the cave of the renowned Turpin; and this haunt of the Essex freebooter may be seen from hence, and easily reached by descending a ravine and climbing the high hill beyond it.