Description
ONCE IN ESSEX NOW IN LONDON
John Debenham, David Dunford & Andrew Summers and illustrated by Tom Fewings
On April 1st 1965, following an act of Parliament, five new London Boroughs were created from territory that was part of Essex. The county of Essex was founded as the Eastern Kingdom of the Saxons. Its name derives from the Old English East Seaxe and today the county of Essex bears three seaxes on its coat of arms. The Saxon Kingdom may also have included parts of modern Hertfordshire and the now defunct ancient county of Middlesex.
Also as a result of the change the London wide administrative body, the London County Council (the LCC), was replaced by the Greater London Council (the GLC). The GLC (now the GLA) has responsibility for 32 new London Boroughs. Apart from Essex the new authority also took territory from Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire.
The River Lea border that separated Essex and London and had been in place for 1000 years ceased to exist.
In a series of chapters set in more or less chronological order, Once in Essex Now in London offers the reader a rich and diverse history where the authors focus on events, places and personalities going back over a thousand years. With over 70 illustrations, Once in Essex Now in London is essential readings for anyone with an interest in London and Essex.
Size 230 x 155mm, Weight 320 gms
PLEASE NOTE THIS PRICE IS FOR SHIPMENTS TO UK POSTAL ADDRESSES ONLY
For other destinations outside UK please e-mail pub@essex100.com for further details
See the Video short narrated by Tom Fewings
REVIEW
Once in Essex, Now in London
is an absolute delight and a “must-buy” for anyone with a passion for local heritage. Authors John Debenham, David Dunford, and Andrew Summers have expertly curated 70 distinct stories across 184 pages, seamlessly blending meticulous research with the sheer joy of storytelling. I found the wealth of obscure lore so engrossing that it was remarkably difficult to put down; the short, punchy chapters make it an ideal companion to dip into, though you’ll likely find yourself saying, “just one more”. The book provides a brilliant chronological journey—from Saxon land divisions to the modern legacy of the London Olympics—tracing how significant portions of Essex identity were eventually reclaimed by the expansion of London. Whether it’s exploring the footprints of figures like William Morris or the social history of Barnardo’s, the narrative is both informative and deeply engaging. I cannot recommend it highly enough; it has already secured a permanent spot on my gift list for my Essex relatives.
Dr Fiona Harvey
The Essex Family Historian
Essex Society for Family History
www.esfh.org.uk
