AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

The task of writing this monograph has been rendered somewhat difficult, so far as the historical data are concerned, by the paucity of references and the way in which the description of Strype has been utilised again and again by subsequent writers.

I would here acknowledge the valuable help I have received from various sources.

My thanks are due to the Rev. John Kennedy, who both personally and through his interesting 'History of Leyton,' has led me to much useful information. I regret that I have been unable to agree with several of the statements given in his book as to the fabric of the Great House, which however, he gives me to understand are admittedly based upon oral tradition, to be taken for what they are worth.

Mr. Vere L. Oliver has kindly supplied valuable details of the history of the Tench and Oliver families, of which I have made free use.

I am further indebted to my friend Mr. Sidney North, A.R.I.B.A., for the drawings reproduced under his name and to Mr. Ernest Godman and Mr. A. P. Wire for their fine photographs and other material help. Mr. C. R. Ashbee, M.A. has made suggestions which I have found of great service in the preparation of this work, and I have also received assistance in measuring the buildings from Messrs. T. Frank Green, S. J. Tatchell, W.J. M. Thomasson, and A. G. Parker, to whom I gratefully acknowledge my obligations.

My thanks are also due to Mrs. Davey, to Mr. Miles, the present owner of the Great House, and to Mr. Lawton Baker, for the facilities they have granted me for the preparation of drawings and photographs, and to the Rev. J. T. Inskip for similar facilities for work at the Parish Church.

In conclusion I must express my gratitude for the interest shown in this work by many friends, which has served to make the task one of great pleasure to me.

EDWIN GUNN.

London, June 1903.