South Woodham Ferrers Local History Society

Its relative remoteness in the mid 19^th century led to Shoeburyness – the coastal ‘nose’ of Shoebury - being chosen as the site to test the effectiveness of the military’s newly-developed heavy guns against the steam- powered warships or ‘ironclads’ that were emerging at that time. The Shoebury Garrison and firing ranges that subsequently developed at the site served their purposes for a century-and-a-half before being vacated in 1998.

The longstanding military contribution that this corner of Essex made to the security of our country means that Shoebury is now recognised as a place of national historical significance with public access now possible over much of the former Garrison site. The military legacy has had a lasting impact on the area and the housing developments that followed at this site in the 21st century re-used many of the Garrison buildings themselves, including the distinctive ‘Horseshoe’ Barracks.

At its next meeting the South Woodham Ferrers Local History Society will hear about this intriguing place when Brian Sandford, a former secondary school head teacher and now a leading light in the Shoebury Society, will give an illustrated talk tracing the history and heritage of Shoebury. Through a combination of old and current photographs and prints, Brian’s talk will explore the influence of Shoebury Garrison on the development of the area and the legacy that remains today. (The illustration above shows a National Artillery Competition at Shoeburyness in the 1860s, shooting for the Queen’s Cup.)

The talk ‘The Shoebury Heritage’ take place on Wednesday March 1st at Champions Manor Hall Community Centre, Hullbridge Road, South Woodham Ferrers CM3 5LJ commencing at 8.00 pm. Any enquiries please telephone 01245 321518. Visitors will be very welcome (admission £3) and no booking is necessary. Alternatively you may join the Society on the evening at the reduced (half-year) rate of £6 which gives admission to all the Society’s monthly meetings until May.