A History Of Essex

There is nothing 'little' about the history of Essex! However, this small volume condenses that fascinating, rich history into a collection of stories and facts that will make you marvel at the events our county has witnessed. Discover the development of ship building at Harwich, the silk and woollen industries in central Essex, the fortunes of Chelmsford and Colchester and the rise of seaside resorts at Southend and Clacton. Take a journey through Essex's historic struggles and celebrations or jump in to the era of your choice to discover the who, what and why of our county's history.

Thematic in presentation, but contained within a chronological framework, this book gives a wide survey of Essex history from earliest times to the 20th century, with greater depth and detail allotted to topics of special interest, including the county's rich heritage of vernacular architecture and the potent influence of London on its development. "All this is history. Yet it cannot just be dismissed as dusty and irrelevant ... many stirring pictures reproduced ..." Evening Echo

This is the dynamic account of one of the most destructive maritime actions to take place in Connecticut history: the 1814 British attack on the privateers of Pettipaug, known today as the British Raid on Essex. During the height of the War of 1812, 136 Royal marines and sailors made their way up the Connecticut River from warships anchored in Long Island Sound. Guided by a well-paid American traitor the British navigated the Saybrook shoals and advanced up the river under cover of darkness. By the time it was over, the British had burned twenty-seven American vessels, including six newly built privateers. It was the largest single maritime loss of the war. Yet this story has been virtually left out of the history books—the forgotten battle of the forgotten war. This new account from author and historian Jerry Roberts is the definitive overview of this event and includes a wealth of new information drawn from recent research and archaeological finds. Lavish illustrations and detailed maps bring the battle to life.