What do you know about Sir George Jessel?

You may have never heard his name, but we have him to thank for the Epping Forest we know and love today.

In fact, it is highly likely that Jessel Green, which Epping Forest District Council plans to destroy and replace with 154 houses, was named after him.

And according to his great-great grandson - also George Jessel - if Sir George knew what was happening, he would be “mortified”.

Below: The younger George Jessel pictured with his dogs

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

In fact, Mr Jessel had no idea about his ancestor’s contribution to the area until he was contacted by the Epping Forest Guardian.

Even though he lives in Kent, he has vowed to do everything he can to support our campaign.

“I am horrified to hear of what’s going on,” he said.

“He left many legacies and I know he would be upset by this.

“I think he would be mortified.”

Sir George was a distinguished barrister and Master of the Rolls and is known as one of the most influential commercial law and equity judges of his time.

Born into a Jewish family, he was denied a place at Oxford or Cambridge, so instead studied botany, philosophy and maths at University College London.

He later became the first Jew to be a regular member of the Privy Council.

In November 1874, Sir George’s determination and spirit helped save Epping Forest from encroachment and it was preserved for the recreation and enjoyment of the ordinary people.

The saga is explained in an article from The Spectator, printed 143 years ago on November 14, 1874 (below).

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

His great-great grandson is a farmer living in Kent and has two children, Amelia, 19, and Charlie, 17. He has just completed a book in honour of his great-great grandfather.

“As Master of the Rolls, he would bring the full wedge of the law down on this planning team.

“He was a very eminent judge and very respected in his field.

“He was always on the side of the underprivileged and would always make sure they got a fair hearing.

“He was a very generous man, and always stood up for those less fortunate than he,”

Speaking about our campaign, Mr Jessel added: “In this day and age, it’s easy to roll over under the weight of bureaucracy and think you’re never going to win.

“I personally am passionate that land is for farming and recreational use, and not to be built on willy nilly.

“I am fed up with planning officers rail-roading things along.

“It has got to stop.

“Planning laws in this country are not fit for 21st Century living. They need an overhaul.

“For unelected planners to just as a whim choose green belt fields to plan and build on is not the way forward.

“There are plenty of brownfield sites that need to be exhausted first before we plunge into mass planning on these fields.”

“But I love it when people get their teeth into campaigns like this. It’s what what we need.”

The younger George is now the High Sheriff of Kent and as a farmer, he is the first member of his family not to go into law.

“Nevertheless, this is in my blood,” he explained.

My dad, Charles, once bought a wood in Kent to stop it from being developed. I’ll do all I can to support this campaign.”

Passionate supporters meanwhile have signed a petition to help save the green and are determined to take their plight all the way to the planning inspectorate.