South Benfleet, The High Street c.1960

Photo ref: S278071

On the left of this photograph is The Hoy & Helmet pub at South Benfleet, which was originally built in the 15th century, with later extensions. The ‘hoy’ of the pub’s intriguing name was a broad, flat-bottomed sailing boat that was used to transport both cargo like farming produce and passengers along the coast and on the Thames; from this came the nautical cry of ‘Ahoy’, used to hail a ...see more

I have a small picture hanging on my wall, which is a print of a painting by my late father Harry Russell. It depicts the view shown in the picture, but from an era slightly before. Not a lot different. I can remember the cockle shed that was there, and who can remember the orchard behind the pub, the Hoy and Helmet?? We used to climb over the wall from the graveyard and pinch carrots of all things. I vividly ...see more

My grandmother's family originated on Canvey Island, farming at Wrack Hall from some time in the early 19th century until the death of my great great grandfather, Edward Morley, in 1863. Wrack Hall was so named because it was built from the timbers of a ship named the 'Ajax', which went aground on South Shoebury - if anyone knows when, I would be grateful for the information. My e-mail address is ...see more

I remember that accident happening - I think it was in the late 60's. My Dad had the sweetshop in the High Road opp the Police Station - and I remember my uncle coming in and telling us. We were quite amused by the name change. I also remember the old jellied eel stand nearly opposite the Crown, which has recently been revamped. I used to play on the marshes as a child, and remeber seeing sticklebacks in the ...see more