Hadleigh has watched over the River Thames since the early 13th century. Together with the Royal Park the castle brought much activity to the village. The little Norman church is more than a century older and there is evidence of Saxon, Roman and Iron-Age occupation. "... the narrative cruises along almost effortlessly ... very well presented with many interesting old pictures and maps." Essex Courier

Southend has a complex and surprisingly interesting history. From 18th-century origins as the "South End" of Prittlewell Parish, it has grown over 300 years to swallow up six separate parishes: Prittlewell, Southchurch, Leigh, Eastwood, North Shoebury, and South Shoebury. The town and wider borough are both now known as "Southend." Starting in the Stone Age, this history ends in the modern information age, covering all points in between. The story of its evolution as a seaside resort, a commuter town, and a regional shopping center is unterwoven with a multitude of amusing, intriguing, and impressive events, incidents, and achievements in this very readable narrative. Southend has been unfairly maligned as "lacking much history." This new book successfully demolishes that suggestion, revealing a wealth of interest in the town and its past--from Prittlewell's Saxon origins to its important role in two world wars. It will be warmly welcomed throughout Essex.