Museums, archives and heritage in Essex

Essex, maritime county in SE. of England; is bounded N. by Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, E. by the North Sea, S. by the river Thames, and W. by Middlesex and Herts; greatest length, N. and S., 44 miles; greatest breadth, E. and W., 57 miles; 987,032 acres; population 576,434. On the coast are several marshy islands, such as Canvey, Foulness, Wallasea, Mersea, &c. Essex is one of the Metropolitan shires, or ‘Six Home Counties’, and took its name from the East Saxons. It rests upon the London clay, and is watered by the Stour, Colne, Chelmer, Crouch, Thames, Roding, and Lea; the surface, flat near the coast and the rivers, is undulating and sometimes hilly towards the NW.; the soil is generally fertile. Wheat and barley of fine quality are largely grown in the NW. and the centre; the marshes on the coast have for the most part been drained and converted into fertile grazing lands. Essex had at one time a great extent of forest, which has almost entirely disappeared. Hainault Forest was disforested in 1851; Epping Forest was preserved by the Act of 1871. The county has no mineral wealth, with the exception of chalk for lime, septaria for Roman cement, and clay for bricks. Its manufactures are of no great extent — ironworks for the local supply of agricultural implements; crape, damasks and satins, &c. The Barking fishing smacks carry on an active industry; and there are very productive oyster beds in the estuaries of the Crouch, the Blackwater, and the Colne. Essex comprises 19 hundreds, 1 liberty, and 413 parishes, with parts of 3 others, the parliamentary and municipal borough of Colchester (1 member), the parliamentary borough of West Ham (2 members), and the municipal boroughs of Harwich, Maldon, and Saffron Walden. It is mostly in the diocese of St Albans.

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

Audley End House & Gardens – English Heritage

Audley End

Saffron Walden CB11 4JF

Disabled access: Tel 01799 522842

goo.gl/r4G9f

Audley End House and Gardens is one of England’s grandest 17th century country homes with over 30 lavishly decorated rooms and magnificent grounds.

Bata Reminiscence & Resource Centre

East Tilbury Library, Princess Avenue

East Tilbury RM18 8ST

www.batamemories.org.uk

A self-funding organisation set up to collect the memories of people who have lived and worked within the British Bata Community at East Tilbury in Essex over the past 70 years. The collection has grown at an enormous rate and we now have a very large collection of artefacts and photographs dealing with this unique community.

Braintree District Museum

Manor Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HW

Braintree CM7 3HW

01376 328868

www.braintreemuseum.co.uk

At Braintree District Museum the story of the district and its diverse industrial and commercial history unfolds. The Main Galleries examine the development of the area from prehistory to the 20th century, focusing upon the textile and manufacturing industries of Courtaulds, Warners and Crittalls, as well as displays of Castle Hedingham pottery, the work of the Great Bardfield artists and Essex straw and lace.

Brentwood Museum

Cemetery Lodge, Lorne Road, Warley Hill

Brentwood CM14 5HH

01277 224012

www.brentwoodmuseum.org.uk

Brentwood Museum is housed in a picturesque 19th century building once a sexton’s cottage, and although small it offers a fascinating insight into Brentwood life in the early part of this century, with an exciting collection of social and domestic objects dating from around 1840-1950.

Brightlingsea Museum

1 Duke Street

Brightlingsea CO7 0EA

01206 303286

www.brightlingsea-town.co.uk/history/museum.htm

A major display gives an insight into how the people of Brightlingsea lived in Roman times. From the evidence of central heating, glass in windows, decorated walls and the wide range of of kitchen and tableware found locally it would seem local residents enjoyed comfortable living.

Burnham-on-Crouch & District Museum

Coronation Road

Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8HW

01621 783444

www.burnhammuseum.co.uk

The Burnham on Crouch and District Museum is situated on the Quay at the junction with Coronation Road. It is devoted to the history of the Dengie Hundred area.

Chelmsford Cathedral

New Street

Chelmsford CM1 1TY

01245 294489

www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

This is one of the smallest cathedrals in England in one of the largest dioceses. The first church on the site of the present cathedral was founded (as was the town of Chelmsford itself) 800 years ago.

Chelmsford Museum

Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street

Chelmsford CM2 9AQ

01245 605700

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

Chelmsford Museum first opened in 1835 in the governor’s parlour in Chelmsford Gaol, it has had a long and interesting history. The museum was taken over by Chelmsford Borough Council in 1906 and in 1930 it moved to a Victorian house, Oaklands, which is still its home.

Coggeshall Grange Barn – National Trust

Village Hall, Stoneham Street

Coggeshall CO6 1UH

01376 563003

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coggeshall-grange-barn

A small local independent museum located in the centre of an historic market town.It is housed in the annexe to the village hall (formerly St Peter’s Hall) which was once a Coggeshall brewery.

Collections: The collection gives a good insight into the social history and local characters of this charming and ancient market town, from prehistoric times to modern day. There is a working wool weaving loom, a fine collection of Coggeshall lace and some of the earliest post-Roman bricks in Britain.

Colchester & Ipswich Museums

Museum Resource Centre, 14 Ryegate Road

Colchester CO1 1YG

01206 282931

www.cimuseums.org.uk

Local Authority Museum Service serving Colchester and Ipswich.

Colchester Castle Museum

Castle Park

Colchester CO1 1TJ

01206 282939

www.cimuseums.org.uk

A visit to Colchester Castle Museum takes you through 2000 years of some of the most important events in British history. Once capital of Roman Britain, Colchester has experienced devastation by Boudica (Boadicea), invasion by the Normans and siege during the English Civil War. Since the 16th century, the castle has been a ruin, a library and a gaol for witches.

Colchester Natural History Museum

All Saints Church, High Street

Colchester CO1 1DN

01206 282939

goo.gl/4tXzpa

Did you know there was an earthquake in Colchester in 1884? Or that mammoths and hippos used to roam around here? If you didn’t and you want to find out more, come to the Natural History Museum. Housed in the unique setting of the former All Saints Church in 1957, the museum focuses on the rich natural heritage of north-east Essex. Travel from the open through the salt marshes and beaches to the more familiar urban environments of the park.

Colne Valley Postal History Museum

In the grounds of: The Laurels, 109 Head Street

Halstead CO9 2AZ

www.cvphm.org

A privately owned postal history museum in the heart of East Anglia. The collection has been built up over a number of years by one man and now comprises more than 70 ex-British Post Office letter boxes together with Stamp Vending Machines, documents and associated artefacts.

Combined Military Services Museum

Station Road, Maldon

Chelmsford CM9 4LQ

01621 841826

www.cmsm.co.uk

The Combined Military Services Museum is a state registered charity, which houses an independent collection of British military artefacts, from 16th century to present date. It contains key items from the Navy, RAF, Army and Special Forces.

Copped Hall Trust, The

Stables Courtyard, Copped Hall, Crown Hill

Epping CM16 5HS

www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk

Copped Hall is a fine Georgian mansion that is currently under restoration. It is superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland.

Cressing Temple

Witham Road

Braintree CM77 8PD

01376 584903

www.cressingtemple.org.uk

Cressing Temple is a scheduled ancient monument in Essex, UK. The site has its origins in the 12th century, when it was the first grant land of land given to the Knights Templar in England.

East Anglian Railway Museum

Chappel Station

Wakes Colne CO6 2DS

01206 242524

www.earm.co.uk

The East Anglian Railway Museum is a living heritage site based at Chappel railway station. We are situated on the edge of breathtaking Constable Country and adjacent to one of the largest railway viaducts in Eastern England.

East Essex Aviation Society & Museum

Martello Tower, Point Clear

St Osyth, nr. Clacton-on-Sea CO16 8NG

07899 917144

www.stosyth.gov.uk/default.asp?calltype=museum

The East Essex Aviation Society and Museum has been housed in the historic Martello Tower at Point Clear since it opened in the summer of 1986. The Tower is one of the first built in 1805 to repel a Napoleonic invasion expected from France which never materialised. It is also one of the few Martello Towers still open to the public along the Essex coast.

Epping Forest District Museum

39 – 41 Sun Street

Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL

01992 716882

www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum

The museum, which opened in 1981, is located in a Grade 2 listed Tudor town house in the historic market town of Waltham Abbey. The service provides a range of exhibitions for the public.

Epping Ongar Railway

Station Road

Ongar CM5 9BN

01277 365200

www.eorailway.co.uk

Essex’s longest heritage railway and the closest to London, running from Ongar to North Weald and into Epping Forest. We run a fleet of former mainline steam and diesel locomotives which haul a range of period coaches between our beautifully restored period stations.

Essex Fire Museum

Grays Fire Station, Hogg Lane

Grays RM17 5QS

01375 379167

www.essex-fire.gov.uk/pages/index.asp?area=48

The Essex Fire Museum gives visitors the opportunity to take a fascinating look at the history of the Fire Service here in Essex. Housing a collection featuring historic fire engines, firefighting equipment, uniforms and photographs.

Essex Police Museum

PO Box 2, Essex Police Headquarters, Springfield

Chelmsford CM2 6DA

01245 457150

www.essex.police.uk/museum

The museum tells the story of the history of the police in Essex from the Victorians to modern day. Our aim is to preserve the history of Essex Police and expand public knowledge and awareness of the history of our police force by collecting, preserving, and displaying material relevant to the history of Essex Police.

Essex Record Office

Wharf Road

Chelmsford CM2 6YT

01245 244644

goo.gl/qxcPX0

The Essex Record Office (ERO) is the county’s central repository for resources about the history of the county, its people and buildings. Information includes, contacts, opening hours on Wharf Road, research (genealogy), SEAX, and Searchroom.

Essex Regiment Museum

Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street

Chelmsford CM2 9AQ

01245 605700

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

Two exciting permanent displays tell the story of the proud County Regiment of Essex.

Essex Society for Family History

c/o Essex Record office

Chelmsford CM2 6YT

01245 244670

www.esfh.org.uk

Aims to promote and encourage the public study of British family history, genealogy, heraldry, and local history with particular reference to Essex. Also to promote the preservation, security and accessibility of archival material.

Halstead Heritage Museum

Mill House, The Causeway

Halstead CO9 1ET

www.halsteadhistory.org.uk/halsteadmuseum.html

Current displays include transport through the ages, the history of Courtaulds, a look at the famous Victorian stove manufacturers Portway and various artefacts from Halstead and surrounding villages.

Harlow Museum

Muskham Road

Harlow CM20 2LF

01279 454959

www.science-alive.co.uk

The museum is located in the former Mark Hall stables, linked with the Mark Hall Manor House – visited on three occasions by Queen Elizabeth 1 and her retinue. It is surrounded by the beautiful Walled Gardens which were originally the kitchen gardens for the great house and the famous families which lived there. Our four main Galleries tell the story of Harlow over four periods: from recent times and the story of how modern Harlow was designed and built, through the Victorians, Stuart and Tudor times, reaching back through the middle ages to the remarkable Roman finds in the local area.

Haven Plotlands Museum

Essex Wildlife Trust Langdon Third Avenue, Lower Dunton Road

Basildon SS16 6EB

01268 419103

goo.gl/f0cuU1

Our museum is located at the Essex Wildlife Trust Langdon Nature Reserve. The Haven Plotlands Museum is a 1930s bungalow and garden that shows what life was like for resident Plotlanders before the building of Basildon New Town.

Hollytrees Museum

High Street

Colchester CO1 1UG

01206 282 940

www.cimuseums.org.uk

Enjoy 300 years of history through hands-on exhibits and displays. Look out for the dolls’ house, it’s a model of Hollytrees House.

Hylands House & Estate

Hylands Park, London Road

Chelmsford CM2 8WQ

01245 605500

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands

Hylands Estate is a fantastic place to go in Essex. It is a stunning Heritage Venue set in 574 acres of parkland.

Jaywick Martello Tower

The Promenade, Belsize Avenue

Jaywick CO15 2LF

01255 822783

www.jaywickmartellotower.org

Jaywick Martello Tower is an arts, heritage and community space. The ground floor houses an exhibition on the history of the Tower, the first floor is a temporary arts space and the roof provides a reading room and replica cannon to help bring the tower to life.

Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker

To contact the bunker’s owners: Crown Buildings, Kelvedon Hall Lane, Brentwood CM14 5TL

Manningtree CM15 0LA

01277 364 883

www.secretnuclearbunker.com

The address above is a contact address for the owners of the bunker: Full directions to the site itself are on the Secret Nuclear Bunker website. The tour is self guided by personal handsets. This is included in admission price.

Maldon District Museum

47 Mill Road

Maldon CM9 5HX

01621 842688

www.maldonmuseum.org.uk

Maldon Museum exhibits items directly related to the district, whether they are domestic, industrial, natural or manufactured, discovered locally or collected from afar. We hold a vast archive of artefacts from Maldon’s history.

Manningtree Museum

The Public Library, High Street

Manningtree CO11 1AB

01206 395548

www.manningtree-museum.org.uk

A small local history museum covering Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford and Brantham in Suffolk as well as the lower River Stour.

Mersea Island Museum

High Street

West Mersea, Colchester CO5 8QD

01206 385191

www.merseamuseum.org.uk

The Mersea Island Museum is an independent museum established in 1976 and occupying purpose-built premises in the centre of West Mersea, just to the east of the parish church. The traditional local activities of fishing, oystering, wild fowling and boat building are represented.

Munnings Collection at Castle House, The

Castle Hill, Dedham

Colchester CO7 6AZ

01206 322127

www.siralfredmunnings.co.uk

Castle House, is the former home of artist Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) and his wife Violet. The house, grounds, studio and garden café are set in forty acres of beautiful countryside in the Dedham Vale on the borders of Essex and Suffolk. This elegant Tudor and Georgian building is now home to the largest collection of paintings by the artist, who was President of the Royal Academy 1944-1949.

Museum of Power

Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford

Maldon CM9 6QA

01621 843183

www.museumofpower.org.uk

The museum of Power, set in seven acres of grounds and housed in the Steam Pumping Station at Langford in Essex, exhibits and demonstrates working examples of power sources of all types and chronicles the major roles that they have played in history. The museum aims to provide an entertaining and educational environment in which to explore our use of power.

Naze Tower

The Naze, Old Hall Lane

Walton-on-the-Naze CO14 8HH

07966 776417

www.nazetower.co.uk

A truly unique visitor attraction located on an attractive stretch of coastline at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. This impressive 86ft octagonal tower, constructed in 1720 by Trinity House as a navigational mark to aid shipping is grade II* listed for unusual architectural interest.

North Weald Airfield Museum

Merlin Way

North Weald Bassett CM16 6AA

01992 523010

www.nwamuseum.co.uk

The museum will give you an insight into the history of this great airfield, the importance it played during wartime, the people involved, the planes etc.

Nottage Maritime Institute

The Quay

Colchester CO7 9BX

01206 824142

www.nottagemaritimeinstitute.org.uk

Institute for maritime skills and museum of local maritime heritage.

Old Chapel, The

Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School, St Mary’s Lane

Upminster RM14 2QR

01708 222660

www.theoldchapelupminster.co.uk

The Old Chapel was built in 1800 by Protestant Dissenters. It has been beautifully restored and is open for public to learn more about the history of the building and the local area with regular events and talks.

Paycocke’s – National Trust

West Street, Coggeshall

Colchester CO6 1NS

01376 561305

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/paycockes

Merchant’s house, dating from c.1500: * The finest variety of domestic Tudor architecture * Uncommonly intricate carved woodwork and panelling * Display of the renowned Coggeshall lace * Peaceful and attractive cottage garden.

Prittlewell Priory Museum

Priory Park, Victoria Avenue

Southend-on-Sea SS2 6NB

01702 342878

www.southendmuseums.co.uk/page/Visit-Priory

Prittlewell Priory was founded in the 12th century, and subsequently underwent a fascinating history under different owners before being presented to the town as a museum.

Rayleigh Windmill

Bellingham Lane

Rayleigh SS6 7ED

01702 318120

www.rochford.gov.uk/windmill

The Rayleigh Windmill is an award-winning tourist and educational attraction, and popular venue for weddings and civil ceremonies. It is a Grade II listed building more than 200 years old and contains an accredited museum, an exhibition space and information about Rayleigh Mount.

Redbridge Museum

Central Library, Clements Road

Ilford IG1 1EA

020 8708 2317

www.redbridge.gov.uk/museum

Redbridge Museum was opened in 2000. It is the community museum for the London Borough of Redbridge and explores the many different places, people and events in over 150,000 years of Redbridge history. It is particularly evocative of the development of Ilford, Wanstead and Woodford from 1850s – 1950s.

Royal Gunpowder Mills

Beaulieu Drive

Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY

01992 707370

www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Set in 170 acres of natural parkland and boasting 20 buildings of major historic importance, the site mixes fascinating history, exciting science and beautiful surroundings to produce a magical day out for all the family.

Saffron Walden Museum

Museum Street

Saffron Walden CB10 1JL

01799 510333

www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org

Discover a world of surprises in one of Britain’s oldest museums, founded in 1835. From local archaeology to cultures of distant lands, from fossils to today’s wildlife, from Tudor beds to fine ceramics to Ancient Egypt, Saffron Walden Museum owes the scope and depth of its collections to its long history and many generous benefactors. It stands beside the ruins of the 12th century Walden Castle.

Sandford Mill Museum – The Engine House Project

Sandford Mill Road, Chelmer Village

Chelmsford CM2 6NY

01245 475498

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/sandfordmill

The Engine House project is based at Sandford Mill, Chelmsford’s old waterworks, where the museum’s industrial collections are stored. In our science sessions we use the museum collections and our own purpose built interactive exhibits to give children exciting hands-on experiences.

Social History Museum

Colchester CO1 1YG

01206 282935

www.cimuseums.org.uk/article/10337/Social-History

Social history covers all aspects of domestic and social life from 1600 to the present day. Our collections include a wide range of items from art, costume, community history, world cultures and oral history.

Southchurch Hall Museum

Victoria Avenue

Southend-on-Sea SS0 8AD

01702 215130

www.southendmuseums.co.uk

A short walk from Southend on Sea’s busy seafront and High Street, the house, gardens and archaeology are a green oasis caputred in time. Interesting interiors are laid out in a series of period rooms including a great open hall reflecting life in the later middle ages, a Tudor kitchen with magnificent fireplace, and a solar wing displaying rooms in late Tudor and Stuart style.

Southend Central Museum & Planetarium

Victoria Avenue

Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EW

01702 434449

www.southendmuseums.co.uk

The Central Museum is situated in Victoria Avenue, and houses the main offices of the museums Service, together with the Planetarium and principal artefact store.

Southend Pier Museum

Southend Pier, (Under the pier- Shore End), Marine Parade

Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE

01702 611214

www.southendpiermuseum.co.uk

If you walk along Southend-on-Sea’s High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure Pier in the world. Standing for over a century it extends 2.158 metres (1.341 miles) into the Thames Estuary, and is a well loved and recognised symbol of Southend and the pleasures of the English seaside.

Collections: Exhibits include many items of memorabilia such as an original restored working Pier signal box, a restored ex-Pier Toast Rack tram circa 1890 and train carriages circa 1949 and extensive informative pictorial displays featuring the Pier from 1830. We also have a small collection of working antique penny slot machines and much more.

Stables Centre

Hylands House, Hylands Park, London Road

Chelmsford CM2 8WQ

01245 605500

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/stables-visitor-centre

Hylands House is a fascinating and beautifully restored country house, dating from 1730. Originally built as a modest red brick Queen Anne style house, Hylands House has changed and developed considerably throughout its history.

Stow Maries WW1 Aerodrome

Hackmans Lane

Nr Maldon CM3 6RN

www.stowmaries.org.uk

Stow Maries Aerodrome is an functioning airfield with most of its Great War brick buildings still intact and is currently being restored to its 1918 condition. It is Europe’s largest surviving World War I aerodrome.

Thurrock Museum

Orsett Road

Grays RM17 5DX

01375 382555

goo.gl/FcHoMK

The extensive museum gallery is housed within the Thameside Complex along with the Thameside Theatre and Thurrock Main Library in Orsett Road, Grays. Here you can explore the history of Thurrock through 40 permanent display cases and 20 temporary display cases, containing over 1,500 objects, interpreting 250,000 years of Thurrock’s past.

Tilbury Fort – English Heritage

No. 2 Office Block, The Fort

Tilbury RM18 7NR

01375 858489

goo.gl/hpefdv

The artillery fort at Tilbury on the Thames estuary protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to World War II. Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth famously rallied her army nearby to face the threat of the Armada.

Upminster Tithe Barn Museum of Nostalgia

Hall Lane

Upminster RM14 1AU

01708 447535

www.upminstertithebarn.co.uk

The Upminster Tithe Barn houses a collection of artefacts of nostalgic origin and is located in Hall Lane, Upminster in the London Borough of Havering. It is owned by Havering London Borough Council and run in partnership with the Hornchurch and District Historical Society.

Valentines Mansion & Gardens

Emerson Road

Ilford IG1 4XA

020 8708 8100

www.valentinesmansion.com

Discover a beautiful 300 year old country house and gardens in the heart of Ilford. Visit the recreated Victorian kitchen and Georgian rooms, with gorgeous views over surroundling parkland.

Waltham Abbey Gardens

Abbey View

Waltham Abbey EN9 1XD

08456 770 600

www.leevalleypark.org.uk/gardensandheritage

Once one of the largest Augustinian Abbeys in the country, founded by King Henry II in 1177 and reputed to be the site of King Harold’s grave after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. These gardens have a Green Flag Award.

Walton-on-the-Naze Maritime Museum

The Old Lifeboat House, East Terrace

Walton-on-the-Naze CO14 8PY

www.fwheritage.co.uk/waltoninfo.aspx

A 120-year-old former lifeboat house, carefully restored with exhibitions of local interest particularly maritime, urban, geological and seaside and development. Currently restoring a 100-year-old Norfolk and Suffolk-type lifeboat, James Stevens no.14, which is the oldest surviving motorised lifeboat in the world.

Warner Textile Archive

Warners Mill, Silks Way

Braintree CM7 3GB

01376 557741

www.warnertextilearchive.co.uk

Located in the heart of Braintree, Essex, the Warner Textile Archive is the country’s second largest collection of flat textiles, and narrates the rich history of a great British industry from its roots in the late 18th century to the flourishing success of Warner & Sons in the 20th century. The collection contains nearly 100,000 textile and wallpaper samples, paper designs, documents and other industry records representing two centuries of creativity and commerce.