| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Group contact: |
Marion Coleman
|
| Group email: | Local and Essex History group |
| When: | Monthly Ad hoc visits and history topic challenges |
What we do
Our primary aim is to research local Benfleet and Essex History.
The Winter months are a prime time for us to use all methods such as word of mouth (family Memories), books, other documents, library, Benfleet Community Archive [view at Benfleet History] or Benfleet Historical Society, etc. to find out about the History of the area in which we live.
These research topics are available for download below. They make interesting reading and fill in lots of gaps if you are interested in local history.
In the Spring and Summer, we visit some of the lesser known villages and places of interest in Essex, tying this up with a lunch or tea in a local pub or café. These visits will be advised as and when as access to many sites is restricted to certain days or dates.
Recent Visits:
Local and Essex History table at 2025 AGM
Photos and topic write-ups
These are available on the page above (download pdfs of Benfleet and Essex topics) and/or select recent visits in the right hand column on this page.
Details of earlier visits can be requested from Webmaster webmail
Studies of local aspects of interest
Click on any topic to download a pdf to view on your device. Each pdf is a collection of entries by group members, often overlapping and each identifying additional details and recollections.
Do read. Many members will remember the shops, businesses, churches, etc that are researched and documented.