IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Debden Lane, LOUGHTON, IG10 2PD

This is Debden Green on the northern outskirts of Debden. Debden Lane passes out of the built-up area just beyond the houses before eventually reaching Theydon Bois.

Taken from Debden Lane, leads to Birch Wood.

Epping Forest was once a large expanse of broad-leaved woodland covering much of the eastern flank of the River Lea and stretching from the flood plains of the Lea into Essex. There were great threats to the Forest in the 19th century with proposed enclosures and sale of parts of the Forest. In August 1871 the City of London Corporation stepped in as a commoner with grazing rights and brought an action against the lords of the manor which lasted over three years. The manorial lords claimed that each manor was separate and that the commoners of that manor had no rights over the rest of the Forest. They said that if a manor satisfied its own commoners it could legally enclose that manor. The Corpoaration disputed this and claimed that commoners' rights extended throughout the whole Forest. Final judgement was given to the Corporation and following this the Corporation systematically bought all the remaining 'waste' land of the Forest and through the Epping Forest Act of 1878 became Conservators of Epping Forest. Epping Forest was formally opened on 6th May 1882 at High Beach when Queen Victoria dedicated "this beautiful Forest to the enjoyment of my people for ever." This is an entrance to Epping Forest, seen from Debden Lane.

Formerly a residence on the Debden Hall estate, the building is currently in use as an adult education centre operated by the London Borough of Newham, and by its predecessor, Newham Council, since 1949. The centre's website is here http://www.debdenhouse.com/Learning/AdultLearning.html The house is a Grade II Listed Building and the English Heritage Listed Buildings website describes it thus:- "House, early C19, extended in C19 and C20, now an adult education centre. Painted brick, slate roof. Rectangular plan, 3 chimney stacks irregularly arranged, miscellaneous extensions to N and C20 link unit to NW connecting it with a C19 brick building, possibly former coach house. 2 storeys. SW elevation, ground floor, 3 french windows with external louvred shutters. String course above. First floor, 3 casement windows, C19, with external louvred shutters. Hipped roof of shallow pitch with long overhang at eaves. Asymmetrical. Tall chimney stacks with vertical slots between shafts, linked by common cornices." This is the SW elevation referred to in the description.

The green on the left forms a large triangle where Debden Lane splits two ways to meet Debden Road.

This is Debden Green on the northern outskirts of Debden.

The junction of Debden Road with Debden Lane.

The use of notice boards stating "No Outlet" appears to be common in and around Epping Forest as a means of advising of no through roads. The standard blue background "No Through Road" warning sign is so faded that it has lost its red colour across the top of the "T".