parochial records, in order that I may give a still stronger local colouring to the "Sketches," should it be found necessary to supplement it by a new edition. I I further beg a lenient judgment on the result of a somewhat difficult and complicated story. hope that those who may honour me by reading this book will mercifully remember the couplet "In every work regard the author's end, Since none can compass more than they intend." May we all strive to make history by doing our share, according to our opportunity, in contributing to the glory of God by loyal adherence to the doctrine and discipline of our Church, which is at once the bulwark of the nation's liberty and the salt of the nation's life. D. W. BARRETT. CHIPPING BARNET, 1st January, 1902. Errata: p. 102, lines 15, 16, vide appendix K. XVI. FALL OF the Monasteries-Essex and HERTFORDSHIRE 165 XVII. DAYS OF EDWARD VI.-Hertfordshire and Essex SKETCHES OF CHURCH LIFE DIOCESE OF ST. ALBANS CHAPTER I DAWN OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE TWO "Tis first the night,-stern night of storm and war,— That bids the saints awake, and dawn arise.” BONAR. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." HE area covered by the diocese of St. Albans TH consists of the two counties of Essex and Hertfordshire, together with North Woolwich, which, though actually within the geographical borders of Kent, is practically in Essex. To get a complete view of the foundation and development of the Church in the two counties, it will be necessary to trace the beginnings of the secular history of each. Let us take first what is definitely known of Essex, without attempting speculation as to its state in the misty times before tradition B can be trusted. The county formed a portion of the lands of the Trinobantes, a tribe which probably extended over the county of Middlesex. Evidences of the habitations of British tribes are believed to have survived in the so-called Dane pits, near East Tilbury, and at Lexden. Doubtless, Colchester itself occupied the site of a British town. It is difficult to say to what extent Christianity had permeated British Essex as distinguished from the rest of the country. The dominance of London as a British settlement cannot have been without its influence, and the known existence of a line of British Bishops of London is at least some presumptive evidence of the very early existence of the faith in the county. We must now deal with the Roman occupation of Essex which dates from about 44 A.D. Sixteen years later, the seat of government was fixed at Colchester; this was the first Roman Colony founded in Britain, and, in spite of a few attempts at revolt on the part of the conquered race, it sealed the subjugation of the county. Abundant evidences of the conquest are found in various places, notably, of course, at Colchester itself; others have been unearthed at Barking, also in the neighbourhood of Maldon, at East Ham, Chesterford; near to Romford, Bartlow Hills, Billericay, Bradwell, Hazeleigh, North Ockenden, Witham, Chelmsford, and at Bishops Stortford. Of the evidences of the |