PRIEST-HUNTING AT BRADDOCKS

In the parish of Wimbish, about six miles from Saffron Walden,
stand the remains of a fine old Tudor house named Broad Oaks,
or Braddocks, which in Elizabeth's reign was a noted house for
priest-hunting. Wandering through its ancient rooms, the imagination
readily carries us back to the drama enacted here three centuries
ago with a vividness as if the events recorded had happened
yesterday. "The chapel" and priests' holes may still be seen, and
a fine old stone fireplace that was stripped of its overmantel,
etc., of carved oak by the "pursuivants" in their vain efforts
when Father Gerard was concealed in the house.

[Illustration: BRADDOCKS, ESSEX]

[Illustration: FIREPLACE AT BRADDOCKS]

The old Essex family of Wiseman of Braddocks were staunch Romanists,
and their home, being a noted resort for priests, received from
time to time sudden visits. The dreaded Topcliffe had upon one
occasion nearly brought the head of the family, an aged widow lady,
to the horrors of the press-yard, but her punishment eventually
took the form of imprisonment. Searches at Braddocks had brought
forth hiding-places, priests, compromising papers, and armour
and weapons. Let us see with what success the house was explored
in the Easter of the year 1594.

Gerard gives his exciting experiences as follows[1]:--