Of Source and Sanctuary: A Social History of Prittlewell (Evening Walk)

Join a free guided walk centred around the cultural and social history of Prittlewell.
Together, we’ll consider how the flow of stories, people and culture that have emerged from Prittlewell across time collectively demonstrate its importance as the cultural and spiritual centre of Southend – a source and sanctuary for new ideas and discovery.
From the remarkable excavation of the Anglo Saxon Princely burial site and haul, to the industrial innovation and workers of the EKCO radio factory; From the roots of Southend United FC at The Blue Boar pub to resident-led campaigns to protect Priory Park, dedicated to the people of Southend in perpetuity by philanthropist RA Jones; From the places of worship at St Mary's Church and the Cluniac monks of The Priory to the radical ideas from Old Southend Art School.
As the mother settlement from which Southend derives its name (the ‘south end’ of Prittlewell), these examples of material culture and social histories are integral to the identity and understanding of the place as we know it today. Where there is a tendency to be nostalgic, we will observe how forgotten stories can remind us of what’s possible now and into the future.
This walk will include an opportunity to trace the bats of Priory Park with the Essex Bat Group. Using bat detectors, we’ll listen to their imperceptible echolocation, which uses the reflection of sound as a navigation system – a likeness to the principles of technology developed by EKCO, including early examples of radio and radar.
About the route: Our walk will cover approximately 2-miles, beginning at Southend Central Museum to take-in the princely burial display before making our way down Victoria Avenue. Passing through Churchill Gardens, we’ll then visit St Mary’s Church before continuing onwards towards Priory Park. From here, we’ll walk along Priory Crescent to overlook the princely burial site, continuing onwards towards the EKCO park housing estate to visit a public sculpture of Eric Kirkham Cole. We’ll then enter the park via the northern entrance and visit Prittlewell Priory before navigating around the park with bat detectors. The walk will finish at the Victoria Avenue entrance to Priory Park.
What to bring: Please bring appropriate footwear and clothing for your own safety and comfort. It’s also recommended you bring your own liquids and snacks to keep hydrated and nourished throughout. As this walk finishes after dark, you may also wish to bring a torch.

Starting Point: Outside Southend Central Museum, Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea (SS2 6EW). Nearest train-station: Southend Victoria Railway Station (located next to the museum). The location is also serviced by regular buses including: 7, 8, 9, 29.
End Point: Priory Park entrance at the intersection with Victoria Avenue (SS2 6JX).
Nearest train-station: Prittlewell Railway Station (0.4 miles, approx 9 minutes’ walk).
Where possible, the use of public transport, walking and cycling for travel to and from the event is strongly encouraged. If you have any specific access requirements or questions prior to this event, please email [email protected]
If you are unable to attend this event, please let me know at the earliest convenience so I can reassign your ticket.
This project is kindly supported by the Big Sparks Fund, managed by SAVS on behalf of Southend City Council, and voted for by local residents. Poster design by Ruth Kathryn Jones.