David C Rayment: 2 books

The name Wickford is of Saxon origin, Wick meaning a winding river and Ford being a shallow river crossing. For many years this sleepy market town lay dormant, like a seed waiting spring. Spring arrived in the 1970s with the building of the Willows, establishing itself during the following decade...

Three hundred years ago Southend was an insignificant hamlet at the south end of Prittlewell parish. During the late eighteenth century it began to gain popularity as a seaside resort. Lady Hamilton stayed here in the nineteenth century, as did Princess Caroline, wife of King George IV. Jane Austen...