Canvey Island, Shell Beach c1955 (ref. C237005) | Another view of the
beach at Canvey Island
shows children busily
playing around the many
deckchairs. Most of the
older holidaymakers are
well wrapped up against
the cold. Rather battered
breakwaters give some
protection from erosion
to the sand and shingle
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Canvey Island, the Beach House Restaurant c1955 (ref. C237122) | Canvey Island was a
popular holiday resort
in the 1950s. Well-
ordered rows of caravans
are ready to welcome
summer visitors. A
complex of administrative
buildings can also be
seen. This photograph
clearly illustrates the
flatness of much of the
reclaimed land that forms
the island and which the
sea attempted to reclaim
in the devastating floods
of 1953.
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Great Wakering, High Street c1950 (ref. G100002) | This imposing brick
gateway, surmounted
by a clock tower, was
built 1860-62. A soldier
stands to the right of
the gate. The post box
and telephone box must
have been well used by
residents at the camp.
The Shoeburyness School
of Gunnery was founded
in the middle years of the
19th century.
Shoeburyness
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Hadleigh, High Street c1960 (ref. H167014) | This scene again shows The Castle Hotel, but from the west. In the intervening five years since H167010 was
taken, the Esso Garage has obviously expanded, although the cottages and shops on the right are little changed.
Cars have become sleeker, but note the price of the one shown on the forecourt - a snip at £226! The street lamp
in this picture is less decorative than the one in the earlier view.
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Hadleigh, the Castle c1955 (ref. H167008) | Hubert de Burgh was granted
a licence in 1230 for the
construction of the castle.
However, it was completely
re-built in the time of Edward
III. Little now remains of the
massive structure that once
stood on this site, although
two of the towers may
still be seen. A number of
Plantagenet kings and their
wives were associated with
the castle. The building was
immortalised by the artist
John Constable.
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Hadleigh, the Castle 1891 (ref. 29070) | This view of the towers
is taken from inside
the ruins. The castle
stands on high ground
with excellent views
over the widening river.
The building fell into
disrepair, especially
after Lord Rich bought
it in 1551. Much of the
stone was used in other
buildings in the area.
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Hadleigh, the Castle 1891 (ref. 29071) | The castle had two main
towers and a further
tower guarding the
entrance on the north
side. There was no
keep. Kentish Ragstone
was brought across the
River Thames for the
construction. Here we
see two of those towers,
situated at the east end
of the site. Deep cracks
have appeared in the
better-preserved tower.
Hadleigh
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Hadleigh, the Castle 1891 (ref. 29069) | Looking across the fields towards the ruins of the castle it is apparent
how little remains of the original building. There are excellent walks in
the area. The ruins are now cared for by English Heritage.
Leigh-on-Sea
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Hockley, the Spa Hotel c1965 (ref. H176035) | A spa was opened in Hockley in the early years of the 19th century
and for some years was very successful, with many visitors coming to
take the health-giving waters. This imposing Ind Coope hotel was built
close by. The original spa building still exists in the road to the left of
the picture.
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Hockley, Broad Parade c1955 (ref. H176020) | Continuing along the
road containing the spa
building, this parade of
shops is to be found
on the right-hand side.
Hockley was a growing
town by this time and a
parade like this, typical
of development in the
1950s, would have been
well used. Shop names
can be clearly seen on
their shiny facia boards.
F r a n c i s F r i t h ' s A r o u n d S o u t h e n d
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Leigh-On-Sea, High Street c1950 (ref. L30024) | This is part of Old Leigh,
with the railway on the
right and the sea behind
the buildings on the left.
The main shopping centre
has moved up the hill to
Leigh Broadway but this
High Street is still popular
with its cafes, public houses
and antiques shops. There
is a quaint, old-world feel
to this part of the town. At
one time many of these
buildings were in danger of
demolition to make way for
a new road. Fortunately the
scheme was abandoned.
F r a n c i s F r i t h ' s A r o u n d S o u t h e n d
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Leigh-On-Sea, 1891 (ref. 29066) | Leigh is noted for its
weatherboard cottages.
Essex lacks natural rock so
skills in the use of wood
and brick-making have
been well developed over
the centuries. Attractive
wrought iron fencing
surrounds the long gardens
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Little Wakering, Little Wakering Road c1965 (ref. L559023) | Here we see a quiet road, with rather neglected grass verges outside the houses. In the background, on the right
of the picture, is the spire of the church of St Mary the Virgin. The fine west tower dates from the 15th century,
although the nave and chancel may be traced to Norman times.
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Paglesham, the Stores c1955 (ref. P143002) | The bicycle was still a very important mode of transport when this
photograph was taken. The brick-built buildings look as if they will last
for another century at least. However, the huge Allied Flour Mill now
stands on the site and very little of this scene remains.
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Prittlewell, the Church 1891 (ref. 29075) | The Church of St Mary stands at the top of the hill above the old
Cluniac Priory of Prittlewell. It dates from Norman times, but parts
of an older arch, containing some Roman bricks, may be seen in the
nave. The large west tower was built in the late 15th century.
Southend
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Rayleigh, the Village 1951 (ref. R224018) | The village street shown in
this picture is now a busy
part of the town. The two
cars, a motor cycle and
one bicycle reflect a slower
pace of life. The bank, with
its solid door, is half hidden
by a large tree. In the next
building the International
Store can be seen. This was
a flourishing grocery chain
at the time. The Crown
Hotel proudly proclaims the
sale of Manns Beer.
To t h e N o r t h
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Rochford, Stambridge Mill c1955 (ref. R226011) | The bicycle was still a very important mode of transport when this
photograph was taken. The brick-built buildings look as if they will last
for another century at least. However, the huge Allied Flour Mill now
stands on the site and very little of this scene remains.
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Rochford, North Street c1955 (ref. R226003) | Here are more Essex
weatherboard cottages
with tiled roofs. Notice the
sign for Teas and Hovis
bread over one small
shop. The reassuringly
solid-looking Post Office
is brick built and faces
the Old Ship Inn. Straight-
backed cars, complete
with running boards, can
be seen.
F r a n c i s F r i t h ' s A r o u n d S o u t h e n d
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Rochford, Market Square c1955 (ref. R226015) | The awnings above
the shops shelter busy
shoppers, whilst often
displaying the name of the
store. An attractive street
lamp can be seen in the
centre of the picture. It
is interesting to see the
policeman stopping to chat.
A market house once stood
in this square, close to a
water pump. Built in 1707 it
was demolished in 1861.
To t h e N o r t h
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Rochford, Market Place c1965 (ref. R226039) | The town gave its name to the Rochford Hundred, an administrative area in Saxon
times. This is recalled in the name of The Hundred Stationers. This square was
once busy with the sounds and smells of a cattle market, but now it has been
marked out for parking. Self-service super markets have become popular, this one
being The Maypole. It was at nearby Rochford Hall that Anne Boleyn spent her
early years.
Hockley
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