MILTON, CHAKWELL and the CROWSTONE

Milton, Chalkwell, and the Crowstone is a reprint of a book by Marion Pearce, originally published over 20 years ago. The hamlet of Milton has been lost in the mists of time, but traces of it can still be found between Leigh-on-Sea and Southchurch. Chalkwell Hall and its park are the center of Chalkwell, and the name Chalkwell comes from a well that was lined with chalk. The Crowstone, which stands at the bottom of Chalkwell Avenue, was sited there in 1838 and replaced a series of markers that denoted the eastern boundary of the City of London's jurisdiction on the Essex side of the River Thames.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 05 June 2023
Publisher: ESSEX HUNDRED PUBLICATIONS

Milton, Chalkwell, and the Crowstone is a reprint of a book by Marion Pearce, originally published over 20 years ago. This new edition has been thoroughly revised, featuring new chapters, additional text, and a plethora of brand-new illustrations. Over time, the hamlet of Milton, also known as Middletun, has faded into obscurity. However, remnants of the 'middle town' can still be found between Leigh-on-Sea and Southchurch. The name Milton continues to resonate in road names in Southend and the electoral ward of the same name. Chalkwell revolves around Chalkwell Hall and its picturesque park. The present Chalkwell Hall, the third house on the site, stands as a testament to its historical significance. Prior to the arrival of the railways in the 1850s, Chalkwell was predominantly farmland. As a result of the construction of the railways, an empowering act mandated the building of two level crossings and a dedicated siding to accommodate the farming community.

Perhaps even more intriguing is the name Chalkwell, as there is no chalk in the soil. It is speculated that there may have once been a well on the site, now long gone, that was lined with chalk. The Crowstone has always captivated the public's attention. The stone, located at the bottom of Chalkwell Avenue, was sited there in 1838. It stood alongside another shorter stone, erected in 1755. This shorter stone, in turn, replaced a series of markers that marked the eastern boundary of the City of London's jurisdiction on the Essex side of the River Thames. For over 100 years, the two stones stood side by side until 1950, when the shorter stone was moved and now stands in Priory Park, opposite the museum.

This delightful little book is a treasure trove of fascinating information, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history and heritage of these areas.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781739931605