OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, ENGLAND

Hadleigh Castle - one of the most interesting ruins in our county

The county of Essex is home to some of the most stunning views in Britain. From the estuary of River Thames to the North Sea coastline, we have more than  350 miles of interesting seashore and the surrounding scenery is a diverse patchwork of stunning sea views, ancient architecture and amazing gardens. Visiting Hadleigh near Southend, a fascinating place to study.

Hadleigh castle's origins are unknown, but the date of around 1215 is believed to be correct, certainly within the reign of King Henry III. This castle's position was vitally important as a defensive base on the Thames Estuary during England's 100-year war with France and was said to be King Edward III's favourite retreat in his old age.

HAPPY WEDDING DAYS - THIS TOPIC (COURTESY OF THE ESSEX RECORD OFFICE IN CHELMSFORD)

Document of the Month, October 2018: Marriage of Captain James Cook and Elizabeth Batts, 1762

With thanks to ERO  a fabulous to visit and learn your history!

Document of the Month, October 2018: Marriage of Captain James Cook and Elizabeth Batts, 1762 St Margaret's Church, Barking, a beautiful church which I often visit 

To learn more about Captain James Cook who knew Barking so well in the 18th century when he married local girl Elizabeth Batts at St Margaret's Church - do take a look at pages 24, 25 and 26  in one of my books below published by Amberley upon the 50th anniversary of the merger of Barking and Dagenham boroughs.

Another bride and groom who married at St Margaret's Church Barking guess who?

MY INTRODUCTION TO PARKRUN - BILLERICAY STYLE

Mandy and Gerald Miles - seasoned park run enthusiasts

Although many Billericay folk are used to meeting in Lake Meadows throughout the week for a stroll or a spot of bowls - it was a revelation this morning to meet - not just the dozen or so friends who exercise with me on Thursdays - but literally hundreds of folk of all ages who turn up, so I am told - every Saturday morning at 9am to take part in this great 'Parkrun'.  And it wasn't just some of my neighbours and friends whom I snapped, but some keen exercisers who had travelled from various parts of the UK to join the Billericay enthusiasts. Terribly impressed with this super couple who had driven from Brighton to our town to take part.  More research coming up.   

MY LATEST BOOK APPRECIATING BRENTWOOD'S LOVELY BUILDINGS

Thorndon Hall - built in 1764 and now upmarket apartments

The beautiful Parish church of Great Warley circa 1906 dedicated to St Mary the Virgin

So happy to finish writing my latest book - number twelve. From hundreds of fabulous local buildings, many of them listed, my task was to choose just fifty. This current title BRENTWOOD IN 50 BUILDINGS is due for release next month. It was fascinating to retrace my steps to places where I had lived and worked and it was also great to catch up with some of my colleagues who still live and work in Brentwood and surrounds. So very grateful for their kindness in allowing me to use their own precious family photographs and show me around their offices, homes and some beautiful buildings so that I could take my own photographs.

Loved the way this building lives on in Brentwood (see below)

Captain Charles  Fair outside Brentwood Fire Station