Essex Towns A-Z

Picturesque and historic are just two words that describe Manningtree and Mistley. The area is a magnet for walkers, birdwatchers and sailing enthusiasts and those coming to the area chance upon these two delightful small settlements. Manningtree proudly boasts that it is England’s smallest town and is also the gateway […]

The discovery of large Saxon burial grounds confirm the age of this charming town. Many pargeted houses, the one-time sun Inn a particularly good example of this type of plaster work to be found across the county of Essex. Sadly little remains of the 12 Century castle that once stood […]

Think of Southend and you think of…. the world’s longest pier! But there is much more to the town than just it’s famous pier. Take seven miles of award winning beaches, (Southend is actually not a seaside resort as such – it’s situated on the Thames Estuary). You will also […]

Small town at the very heart of Essex, surrounded by some charming villages. The town is dominated by it’s noble church (justly called locally “the” cathedral of Essex), one of few in the county built of stone. There are a variety of houses in the town dating from Tudor and […]

Of the great abbey, the gateway and an old bridge remain, the nave of the abbey church, containing the oldest Norman work in the county. The East end was added in the 19th Century is still in use today. The body of Harold was buried before the high altar after […]

Situated 8 miles Norh East of Clacton on the B1034. A seaside resort that focuses around it its pier. First built in 1830 and originally made of wood the pier measured 330 feet in length. It was extended in 1898 to its current length of 2,610 feet making it the […]

This Essex town has existed since 913 and is now a rambling place with many old and attractive houses. The church on Chipping Hill has some interesting monuments and a screen dating to the 14th Century, the South porch dates from about 1200 and the tower contains Roman brickwork. Two […]

Chelmsford is the County town of Essex and famous for being the birthplace of radio. Just 30 miles north east of London, Chelmsford it is a perfect location for visitor and resident being ideally situated for commuters and holidaymakers. Chelmsford offers a perfect blend, from the bustling town centre with […]

Village of old houses and inns, domintated by the keep which is all that remains of the castle which dates from around the end of the 11th Century. The brick tower of the church is dated 1616 but the nave and hammer-beam roof are Norman. The church also contains a […]

Pleasant shopping and entertainment centre, with quite a distinguished past. Originally on the old pilgrim and coaching routes to and from London. Much of the town’s character is post-war. Brentwood Cathedral on Ingrave Road was built in 1991 but also includes the oiginal Victorian church that stood on the same […]