Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

American Heritage in Essex (A Coach Trip in Essex)

"American Heritage in Essex" is one of the very popular Coach Trips devised and led by Colin Crosby, of Colin Crosby Heritage Tours.

These trips are an enjoyable way of soaking up some Local History.

In particular, this trip is suitable for parties from the United States, giving the opportunity to visit some of the places associated with that country`s early development.

Essex is a very historic county. Its very name stretches back about fourteen hundred years, and signifies that it was the Kingdom of the East Saxons.

"American Heritage in Essex" starts outside Shenfield Station. There are three stops of about an hour each, and some other brief visits where photos can be taken.

Old Leigh is an old maritime town, for centuries a fishing centre, which is still famous for its cockle sheds. It was also a shipbuilding town, and it is probable that the "Mayflower" was built here.

Maldon is a very attractive town indeed. Horatio Gates, who forced the English surrender at Saratoga, was born here, while at All Saints Church, with its unique triangular tower, Lawrence Washington was buried. He was the great great grandfather of George Washington.

Chelmsford is the county town of Essex, in the centre of the county. Thomas Hooker, known as the Father of American Democracy, was curate at the church which is now Chelmsford Cathedral.

Shorter stops are made at Billericay, home of several of those who sailed on the "Mayflower", including Christopher Martin, the purser; Stambridge, where John Winthrop, first Governor of Massachusetts, was married; and Purleigh, where Lawrence Washington was the Rector.

Colin Crosby, a well known Blue Badge Guide who is himself a native of Essex, gives a commentary as the coach wends it way around this very attractive part of England.

Dates, costs and where to meet

A place on 'American Heritage in Essex' costs £25.00 per person, or £25.00 if paying in advance. The coach trip begins at Shenfield Station, and is running on:

I'm sorry, but there are no plans to run this event at present.

If you would like to book a place on one of these dates, please telephone Colin on (0116) 2611576 or email him at colin@crosbyheritage.co.uk.