Another retreat at Chingford was Butlers. This was opened in 1891. Prior to that date a Mrs. Harriet Watkins, whose son was a Forest Keeper, lived in Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and used the Lodge and its garden for the provision of teas. As the Lodge was to be open for inspection by visitors to the forest it often happened that the press of those taking teas in the Lodge precluded the admission of sightseers and in 1887 Mrs. Watkins took over the adjacent barn for the provision of teas. The barn had earlier been used as a shelter for school parties in adverse weather conditions. On 8 November, 1890, Mrs. Watkins vacated the Hunting Lodge and John Butler, who earlier had operated a kiosk on the forest, took a lease of the barn from 1 January, 1891. In the 1894 edition of Kellys Essex Directory, J. Butler is described as "refreshment contractor and tea gardens, Epping Forest overlooking Connaught Water and adjoining Queen Elizabeth's old hunting lodge — seating room for 600 — Butlers Retreat". This retreat remained in the hands of the one family throughout. It was taken over by his wife, Mrs. Hannah Butler, at Christmas 1903. On 30th January 1907, the building was damaged by fire but was repaired. In the 1920's David Butler (her son) took over and finally in 1956 David Butler's daughter, Mrs. Marjorie Owen of Theydon Bois continued the business. The licence was given up in 1971 and the lettering over the door which read "Butlers Retreat" removed. It is of interest that in the London Post Office Directory for 1900 the location was described at "High Beech Road, Chingford", instead of the more usual Rangers Road. The Retreats of Epping Forest by Bernard Ward 1978 Conservators of Epping Forest (Corporation of the City of London)