Did you know?
Ashingdon
In 1016 the Danes, led by King Canute, met the Saxon army of
Edmund Ironside in a very significant battle in the Crouch Valley
between Ashingdon and Canewdon. Canute later built a church at
Ashingdon to commemorate the souls of those killed in the battle
and appointed Stigand as its priest who later became the Archbishop
of Canterbury and crowned William the Conqueror.
Barling Magna
The word "Barling" is said to derive from two Saxon words "ban",
a boar, and "ing", a meadow. In the adjoining village of
Little Wakering is a church dating from the 11th century,
largely rebuilt by John De Wakering, Bishop of Norwich.
Displayed in the tower are the Royal Arms of George III who
visited in 1769.
Battlesbridge
Battlesbridge straddles the river Crouch and is therefore shared
between the parishes of Rettendon and Rawreth. Contrary to popular
belief, it was named after the mediaeval family Bataille, not a
battle.
Canewdon
The Church's impressive tower is said to have been erected by
Henry V in thanksgiving for his victory at Agincourt with the old
village lock-up and stocks next-door. Remains of
entrenchments between the village of Canewdon and the River Crouch
are believed to mark the site of Canute's camp before his
victorious battle over Edmund Ironside, and thus gave his name to
the village. Other historical finds include a bronze age paddle
dating from about 1000 BC, found in the riverbank.
Foulness
Foulness is the largest of the Essex Islands and the fourth
largest island off the coast of England covers approximately
6,310 acres. Foulness and the adjoining Maplin Sands are
internationally famous as a haven for wildlife. It has the second
largest colony of Avocets and is a winter home for thousands of
wading birds and Brent Geese. Evidence exists to show that
there was once a Romano British settlement here.
Great Wakering
People have lived in this area since the late Neolithic times and
the listing of two manors in the Domesday Book of 1086 show how
important it was during the Ages. The traditional industry of
brick making has carried on here since Tudor times and is still an
important industry for the area today.
Hawkwell
The 14th century parish church possesses a 15th century timber
belfry, supported on four massive oak posts and a fine old door
that dates back to the same century.
Hullbridge
Is surrounded by green belt on three sides and the River Crouch on
the northern boundary and has over two miles of frontage to the
river, which is tidal. Prehistoric relics, such as Mesolithic
flint axes, have been found in the parish and the village takes its
name from a Roman bridge that once crossed the river at this point.
Along the river bank there are remains of evaporation pans where
salt was made in medieval times.
Paglesham
Situated in the north east of the District, Paglesham is
physically divided into the two attractive hamlets of East End and
Church End, these two hamlets form one of Essex's oldest fishing
villages and is part of the Roach Valley Conservation Zone. It was
once renowned as a smuggling centre, and has also been famed for
its oyster production.
Rayleigh
Rayleigh contains the site of a Norman castle which was
mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) and built by Robert
FitzWimarc, one of the greatest landowners of Essex. Rayleigh
Windmill was built in 1798. The present market, held on
Wednesday mornings, dates back to before 1181, when it was
inscribed in the Exchequer Records of Henry II.
Rochford
The original Manor of Rochford was acquired by Sir William
Boleyn, whose granddaughter, Anne, was eventually to become one of
Henry VIII's wives. Sir Guy de Rocheforte was granted a
charter in 1247 to hold a weekly market, which still takes place
every Tuesday morning in the picturesque market square. The town
centre contains one of the few remaining market town cross patterns
in England, comprising north, South, East and West Streets.
Stambridge
A notable inhabitant of this village was John Harriot, who founded
the Thames Police Force in the 18th century, some considerable time
before Sir Robert Peel instituted the present day
constabulary. The octagonal font in St. Mary's Church,
Stambridge, has been in use for over 500 years. On the west wall is
a plaque dedicated to John Winthrop, and a church window
commemorates his sailing to America where he became the first
Governor of Massachusetts.
Sutton
All Saints Church in Sutton is of Norman origin and boasts a
medieval coffin lid and brass of 1371 from the demolished ancient
church at Shopland. The brass depicts Sir Thomas Stapel, Sergeant
at Arms to Edward III, in armour such as he would have worn at the
Battle of Crecy.