A Rich Tapestry

While close to the capital, Epping is very much an Essex gem and its proud heritage of hunting forests and historic houses is well worth exploring, as Petra Hornsby discovers

- Petra Hornsby

Epping is situated at a close and commutable distance to London (just 17 miles away) and is a fine example of a popular market town. It was granted its charter by King Henry III in 1253 for a market that was once an important cattle trading point. The market remains popular today and is a good source of fresh, locally farmed and locally made produce.

As well as it's market, Epping is also well known for its woodland, which straddles the border between Essex and London. The 5,900 acres of forest habitat is managed by the City of London Corporation and 4,270 acres of the forest is regarded as being a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a special area of conservation. Geographically, it sits on a ridge between the rivers Lea and Roding and comprises woodland, grassland, heath, rivers, bogs, and ponds, making it a fantastic home for a wide range of wildlife, insects, and plants.

Epping Forest was once integrated into the larger Waltham Forest and research indicates that although forestation may have been carried out during Neolithic times, there is strong evidence to suggest that the Saxons had a system of selective tree cutting and clearing trees, so over the centuries the once dominating lime and linden species have been replaced by beech, oak, and hornbeam.

The forest has royal connections, with the Tudors – specifically King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I – using it as a hunting ground. Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge (which today is a popular tourist attraction) was commissioned by King Henry VIII as a viewing point for the chase.