The earliest written record of Southchurch states that in the year 824 a Saxon thegn named Leofstan presented Sudcerca (Southchurch) to the monks of Canterbury.
So, this year we’re celebrating the 1200th anniversary of Holy Trinity Southchurch, and the 1200th anniversary of Southchurch itself.
The History of Southchurch
Back in 824 Southchurch was a combination of fetid swamp and dense woods. Few people lived there. The Domesday Book of 1086 records Southchurch as comprising just “4 hides, 14 villeins (tenant farmers) and 5 borders (a person ranking below villein and above serf), 1 serf, 8 ploughs, pasture for 200 sheep, woodland for 40 swine, 2 fisheries, 4 rounceys (a type of horse), 8 beasts, 13 swine, 150 sheep and 8 goats.” My, how Southchurch has changed!
Story of Southchurch
To celebrate our anniversary we’re telling the story of Southchurch on our website, holytrinitysouthchurch.org, look under: About Us > A Little History of Southchurch.
It’s a fascinating story that takes us through:
- 1150 to 1309: the de Southchurch family, whose exploits included a plot to burn down London using incendiary chickens.
- 1700: Southchurch’s elevation from a rural backwater to a thriving suburb – thanks to the humble oyster.
- 1801: the visit of Princess Charlotte to Southend, when she stayed at Southchurch Lawn (now Alleyn Court school).
- 1900: Southchurch is swallowed-up by Southend Borough because they wanted to use the foreshore for a sewer outfall.
- 1910: the first trams, running from the Kursaal to Southchurch Road, and from Southchurch church to Leigh Church.
- 1932: arrival of the railway, turning Southchurch into a thriving community.
Celebration Weekend!
We’re hosting a flower festival and family fun day:
Flower Festival (25th – 27th May) in church:
See the historic church interior festooned in flowers
(Sat 10am – 4pm, Sun 11am – 4pm, Mon 10am – 4pm)
Family Fun Day (26th May) in the Church Hall Garden:
Free BBQ, free bouncy castle, craft and more
(Sunday 12:00 – 16:00)
Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch Boulevard, SS2 4XA
All are welcome
By Alan Willis
Holy Trinity Church