History

Southend's Early Birds

Discover the early flyers and  machines that graced Southend's skies at the dawn of the age of flight. Few people realise that south east Essex was a hotbed of aircraft innovation, with South Fambridge along the river Crouch purportedly being the site of the first ever British aerodrome.

The Great War in Southend's Skies
Find out about the multiple German Zeppelin and Gotha raids and British airmen's defensive sorties over Southend throughout WWI.

The Battle of Benfleet

A detailed account of the run up and great battle that was fought between King Alfred and the Viking marauder Hæstan in 894. A seldom mentioned battle site which thousands of people drive through daily, probably without any clue as to what happened.


The Battle of Assandun
Covering the confusing tale of the battle, its possible locations and its lasting legacy on English, British and even world history.


The Ancient Mounds of the Crouch Valley

Exploring the mound on Plumberow Mount in Hockley and the multiple man-made hills near South Woodham Ferrers.