The Essex Agricultural Societys Show in the grounds at Sloe House, Halstead, 1862. The show was a great success; and 4800 persons visited the implement field during the three days it was open. To say that Halstead was gay would convey but little notion of the appearance it presented from the tower of St. Andrews Church. A flag embracing the Royal standard of England and national emblems of other countries floated, and union-jacks, tricolors, &c., waved in every possible place where they could be hoisted. Trees were planted before nearly every house; and what was the crowning of all were three noble arches erected by the committee...The show was held, by the kind permission of the proprietor, R. E. Greenwood, Esq., in the park of Sloe Farm - a delightful retreat, about a mile from Halstead, sloping gently, thus affording a view of nearly the whole show at a glance. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.