Canvey Island
Canvey Island is an island containing a town in Essex, beside the River Thames, and 7 miles from Basildon.
It is linked by a bridge to Benfleet.
Much of the land was reclaimed by the Dutch engineer Jonas Croppenburgh in the 17th century.
Today, there is a small seaside resort, the nearest to London.
There are also refineries connected with the petro-chemical industry.
Two Dutch cottages remain from the 17th century, one of which now contains the Dutch Cottage Museum.
The Lobster Smack Inn at Holehaven appears in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations".
Canvey Island was badly hit by the East Coast floods on 31st January 1953, in which 58 local people drowned.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Canvey Island for groups.