THE HIGH STONE...

World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved

I have been meaning to put this picture on for some time. Its The High Stone at the junction of Hollybush Hill and New Wanstead. It was originally a mile marker showing the distances to Epping, Ongar, Whitechapel and Hyde Park Corner on three of its faces. Sadly time, and I suspect the weather has taken its toll on these. The stone however has been reset and looks rather grand. According to the legend recorded on a plinth situated by the stone, 'in 1757 a highway man by the name of Matthew Snatt robbed a mail coach near the stone. He was executed and his body left hanging in chains as a warning to others'.