Surrounding Villages and Towns Part 1
Althorne, Bradwell On Sea, Burnham On Crouch and Latchingdon
Althorne is situated 21 km (13 mi) east-southeast of Chelmsford, the county town (city). This village falls within the Maldon district and is part of the parliamentary constituency of Maldon & East Chelmsford. Althorne has its own Parish Council and the civil parish boasts a population of 1,104. Located on the Dengie peninsula, it lies approximately 5 km (3 miles) north-west of Burnham-on-Crouch.
The village is about 3 km (1.9 mi) north-west of the centre of Bridgemarsh Island in the River Crouch. Althorne is connected to London via the Southminster Branch Line, which is operated by Greater Anglia and links Wickford to London Liverpool Street Station. The railway station serving Althorne is the Althorne railway station; however, it is somewhat isolated from the main village, accessible only by a long and steep path leading up to the outskirts of Althorne. There are no A roads in close proximity to the village, with the primary routes being the B1010 towards Burnham and the B1018 road connecting Maldon to the nearby Southminster.
The population of Althorne was around 1,172 as of September 2025.
Bradwell-on-Sea is a village and civil parish located in Essex, England. Situated on the Dengie peninsula, it lies approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) north-northeast of Southminster and 30 km (19 mi) east of Chelmsford, the county town. The village falls within the District of Maldon and is part of the parliamentary constituency of Maldon, which last underwent boundary changes during the United Kingdom General Election in 2010. Historically, Bradwell-on-Sea served as a Saxon Shore fort during Roman times, known as Othona. The Anglo-Saxons initially referred to it as Ithancester. In 653, Saint Cedd established a monastery within the ancient walls, which remains today as the restored chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, recognized as one of the oldest churches in Britain. From this location, he furthered the evangelization efforts in Essex. In the 20th century, the village gained prominence as the site of the Bradwell nuclear power station. Additionally, it boasts a reputable sailing club and various outdoor leisure facilities. The village is home to St. Cedd's C. of E. Primary School. Over the years, the village has also been referred to as Bradwell juxta Mare, Bradwell-next-the-Sea, and Bradwell near the Sea.
During the Second World War, the airfield located to the north-east of Bradwell Waterside served as a front-line station, known as RAF Bradwell Bay. Prior to the war, a small grass airfield existed there for the purpose of refuelling and re-arming aircraft utilized by pilots practicing shooting and bombing at the ranges on the nearby Dengie Marshes. In 1941, the airfield underwent expansion, incorporating the pre-war grass landing ground, and three concrete runways were constructed. Due to its proximity to the coast and the frequent landings of distressed aircraft, a Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation (FIDO) system was installed to assist pilots in safely landing during foggy conditions.
Numerous night-fighter squadrons were stationed here, initially equipped with the Douglas Havoc, followed by the de Havilland Mosquito, which was the prevalent multi-role combat aircraft of that era. The airfield also functioned as a launch point for fighters providing escort for long-range bombing missions over Germany, with aircraft such as the Spitfire and North American Mustang frequently seen.
A recent memorial, designed in the form of a crashed de Havilland Mosquito, has been erected near the edge of the airfield to honour all those who sacrificed their lives in defense of Britain during the war while stationed at RAF Bradwell Bay.
The population of Bradwell-on-Sea, was around 908 in September 2025.
Surrounding Villages and Towns continued
Althorne, Bradwell On Sea, Burnham On Crouch and Latchingdon
Burnham-on-Crouch is a town located in the Maldon District of Essex in the eastern part of England. It is situated on the northern bank of the River Crouch. The town is recognized as one of Britain's premier destinations for yachting and various water sports. Historically, its coastal position has been advantageous, initially serving as a ferry port, later evolving into a fishing port renowned for its oyster beds, and most recently becoming a hub for yachting activities. The town boasts numerous listed buildings, including the Grade II listed Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, which was designed in 1931 by the modernist architect Joseph Emberton.
Burnham-on-Crouch is the main settlement in the larger Dengie peninsula area, which has a population of 20,000 as a whole. This status allows it to offer amenities that are rare in smaller towns, such as a cinema, a laundrette, a post office, and approximately 20 licensed drinking establishments. Burnham-on-Crouch hosts a bi-annual charity fundraising pub crawl, an event that first occurred in June 2007. Typically, more than 100 local residents participate in themed fancy dress as they walk through the town to raise funds for The Samaritans. There are both summer and winter editions of this crawl. Additionally, the town has a community magazine, compiled by local residents, called the Burnham & Dengie Hundred Review, which is distributed free of charge to residents in Burnham and the surrounding areas. In September, the town celebrates its Illuminated Carnival, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2008.
This carnival takes place along the High Street and Quay, featuring stalls, sideshows, and displays, culminating in a Grand Illuminated Procession in the evening that departs from the Clock Tower and winds through the town. The town of Burnham-on-Crouch is also referenced in the song "Billericay Dickie" by Ian Dury and the Blockheads, which hints at Burnham's relatively upscale reputation within the county.
Burnham-on-Crouch is also the venue for a sailing event referred to as 'Burnham Week'. This event occurs every year during the final week of August. The week features competitive yacht and dinghy racing on the River Crouch. It is organized collaboratively by the four prominent sailing clubs in Burnham: The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (which is associated with the sailing club of the same name in Cowes, Isle of Wight), The Royal Burnham Yacht Club, The Crouch Yacht Club, and The Burnham Sailing Club. This annual yacht regatta has its origins dating back to 1893. In its early years, Burnham Week was considered the concluding event of the sailing season. During the time before marinas provided year-round access, numerous yachts were stored for the winter in mud-berths along the east coast rivers. The racing fleets would navigate along the south coast, participating in various events and regattas, culminating in a final celebration at Burnham before winter storage. Currently, the event continues to thrive, and the different sailing clubs cultivate many esteemed sailors. The week offers a variety of competitive racing events alongside a comprehensive party schedule.
The population of Burnham-on-Crouch was around 7,871 as of September 2025.
Latchingdon, originally known as Latchingdon & Snoreham, was founded in 1042 AD under the name "Laecedune." It is a small village that offers several local amenities, including a petrol station with a shop, a Happy Shopper, a newsagent, and a Chinese restaurant. According to White's Directory of Essex from 1848, Latchingdon is characterized as a charming, straggling village located on the northern side of the Crouch vale, situated 6 miles south-southeast of Maldon and 13 miles east-southeast of Chelmsford. The village primarily falls within the united parishes of Latchingdon and Snoreham, with a portion extending into Purleigh parish. The inn commonly referred to as the "Latchingdon Lion" is located in Snoreham and is currently known as The Red Lion Inn. Additionally, there is a well-maintained and spacious police station where magistrates conduct petty sessions for Dengie Hundred every other Wednesday. This police station, built in 1842 at a cost of £1,750, features a large magistrates' room and accommodations for the superintendent and two police constables. William Codd, Esq., from Maldon, serves as the clerk to the magistrates. The village serves as a significant thoroughfare connecting Maldon to Burnham and Southminster. The parish of Latchingdon has a population of 372, while Snoreham has 211 inhabitants, collectively covering approximately 4,060 acres. This area includes part of Bridge Marsh, an island in the River Crouch, which spans about 450 acres, with two-thirds located in Latchingdon and one-third in Althorne parish. Although ecclesiastically they are distinct parishes, they are united in their efforts to support the poor and maintain the roads.
The population of Latchingdon was around 1,307 as of September 2025.
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