Battisford Oak use to build the new Bourse:
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Battisford was well-known for the quality and abundance of its oak trees and so it was an easy choice in 1566 for Thomas to have his proposed Bourse framed in oak, from his own woodlands. Records show that the huge oak frames of this mighty building were framed at Battisford Tye (or Common) and thence dismantled, taken by barge around the coast and up the river Thames, to the Port of London, and thence transported to Cornhill to form the new Bourse. Completed in 1568 and of faux stone & brick cladding over the mighty oak frames, it was said that " a more noblier frame ne'er was built". In 1570, Thomas Gresham accompanied Elizabeth I around the huge building, who proclaimed it be henceforth known as The Royal Exchange. The Order of St John's Hospitallers:
The monastic order of the Knights Hospitaller was founded after the First Crusade by the Blessed Gerard and confirmed by a Papal bull (or charter) from Pope Paschal II in 1113. They established the first significant Hospitaller infirmary near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and provided pilgrims with armed escorts for their journey, but before long grew into a substantial force and they quickly became the most powerful Christian group in the area. With its increasing recognition and acceptance in England and Normandy, the Preceptory at Battisford was established, probably on a nobleman's land in Battisford in 1154, according to the records at the Order of St John's Hospitallers headquarters in St John's Gate, Clerkenwell, London. One hundred and fifty six years later, in 1310, it was then chosen by King Edward II (1284 - 1327) as a Commandery - a Manor under the control of a Commander of an Order of Tyrell.