Clacton VCH Group

The analysis of historical records and physical landscapes lie at the heart of the Clacton VCH Group’s work. Archival research has been based on a huge variety of sources ranging from newspapers, maps, local government minutes and manorial records.

Fieldwork surveying World War Two sites in Tendring Hundred, guided by military archaeologist Fred Nash (ECC), has drawn upon an unusual source, a copy of an original document recording the planning ‘contraventions’ for the requisition and later relinquishing of sites and property required for the installation of anti-invasion defences.  The Groups other projects concerning the Second World War have drawn upon materials such as ARP reports, wartime diaries and oral history.

The Group’s latest project explores the overseas trade of Harwich in the late 16th century. Guided by the VCH county Editor, and meeting in Harwich courtesy of the Harwich Society, it is examining and transcribing the customs accounts known as Port Books which are preserved at The National Archives.

The following three books are currently available from the VCH County Editor, Dr Chris Thornton. He may be contacted by email or by post: VCH Essex, C/O Essex Record Office, Wharf Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6YT) for £5 each including P&P. Cheques payable to ‘VCH Clacton Group’.

Clacton at War 1939–1945 (Clacton VCH Group, 2003)

Defending the Coast. World War Two Defences at Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick (Clacton VCH Group. 2009)

Clacton on Sea and Riggs’ Retreat (Clacton VCH Group 2017)

In several recent projects the Clacton VCH Group have researched and designed historical interpretation boards, to provide the public with information ‘in situ’. Their project ‘Researching a lost coastal landscape’ led to two such boards being erected on either side of the former Gunfleet estuary where it once entered the sea between Frinton and Little Holland. Their ‘Discovering Dad’s Army’ project created another board on a Second World War pillbox in the centre of Great Oakley village.

For all their projects the Group runs local events to disseminate the knowledge they have found to a wider audience in the local community. These have been held at various venues, but chiefly in Clacton, and often in collaboration with other local history societies in the Tendring area. The events usually involve displays and talks on the Group’s most recent research project, refreshments and sometimes include participation by re-enactment groups.