Local Area

Located only 40 miles from the East of London in the Maldon District is a rural area known as the Dengie Peninsula which is the local name for the land between the Blackwater and the Crouch Rivers.

The area is predominantly Low Lying marshland, dotted with villages and hamlets which have always been sparsely populated.

Burnham-on-Crouch is the main town on the Peninsula and is located on the north bank of the River Crouch as it winds its way towards Foulness Point and the North Sea. Burnham is a quiet unspoilt riverside town with a distinctly nautical atmosphere.

It is home to the oldest marina in England and has a 1930's Yacht Club which is just one of the many listed buildings in the town.

The Quay area is full of olde worlde charm and many of the houses which front the river and quayside are listed buildings. The Clock Tower is an ornate landmark which has dominated the old part of the Town since 1877.

There is a 1930's cinema 'The Rio' which continues to show all of todays films.

Bradwell on Sea on the North Eastern side of the Dengie Peninsula is home to the Saxon Chapel of St Cedd which was built in 654 astride the western wall of the Roman Fort of Othona. Over the centuries it has had a variety of uses - a warning beacon for shipping, a barn and an animal store. The church was re-consecrated in 1920 and attracts visitors worldwide who are impressed with its simplicity and tranquil setting.

Bradwell on Sea, like North Fambridge are also home to marinas, whilst Tillingham is a typical marshland village with church, village green, pump and weatherboard cottages and the village of Southminster was home to Dr Alexander Scott, Chaplin on board HMS Victory at the battle of Trafalgar.

Southminster, Burnham, Althorne and North Fambridge all benefit from a direct rail link to London.

Maldon is the principal town in the area and the district area retains much of its original charm which has been forged over the centuries by the close proximity to the rivers Blackwater and Crouch and the North Sea. Throughout time sea trade has played an important role in the region's history which remains of great importance today. Maldon Sea Salt, the first choice for many famous chefs, is still harvested from the Blackwater and other traditional industries such as barge and boat repairs and building, sail making and oyster fishing still thrive and grain is still delivered regularly by boat at Fullbridge Quay in Maldon.

The Dengie Peninsula and surrounding areas are recognised for the abundance of wildlife and many opportunities exist for bird watchers, artists and ramblers to explore this rural area.