Southminster

Southminster
Population
OS grid reference	TQ961995
District	Maldon
Shire county	Essex
Region	East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	SOUTHMINSTER
Postcode district	CM0
Dialling code	01621
Police	Essex
Fire	Essex
Ambulance	East of England
UK Parliament	Maldon and East Chelmsford

Southminster is a town in the Maldon district of Essex in the East of England on the Dengie peninsula. It lies about three miles north of Burnham-on-Crouch and ten miles south-east of Maldon town.

Accessibility

Isolated 20 miles from Chelmsford, the nearest large town, the town would be very much in decline if it were not for Southminster railway station and employment opportunities at the nearby Bradwell Power Station. The station is situated on a single-line branch from Wickford, which was electrified in the 1980s, and provides an hourly service to Shenfield, which in the rush hour continues through to Liverpool Street station in the City of London thus including the town in the London commuter belt.

Facilities

The town has one primary school, a small library, a handful of pubs, a police station, a few local businesses such as 'Martins' convenience store, a bakery and many takeaways.

History

Southminster is a historic village sited in the centre of the ancient Dengie Hundred.

A major horse market used to be held annually in the village.

Southminster marshes were a favourite centre for hare coursing in Victorian times.

Pandole Wood contains ancient earthworks believed to date from the iron age.

St Leonard's Church

St Leonard's Church dates from the 1500's There have been several well known Rectors including naturalist Rev Walter Henry Hill and Rev Alexander John Scott who was personal chaplain to Admiral Lord Nelson. After the battle of Trafalgar Nelson died in the arms of Rev Scott. Several artefacts from HMS Victory are found in the church.

Nearest places

• Maldon
• Burnham-on-Crouch
• Bradwell-on-sea

External links

• The Rotary Club of Burnham on Crouch and Dengie Hundred
• Information and photographs of Southminster village
• History of Southminster