Canvey Island has led a very colourful life, probably accounting for its unique nature. Certainly its use and history goes back at least to the Bronze Age, looking at archaeological evidence. It was first recorded in the 2nd Century AD by an Alexandrian Geographer called Ptolemy who called it Counus Island. Later it was mentioned in the publication ‘Britannia’ as Island Convennon in 1607. But Canvey Island really came to the fore, during the modern age, when in the first half of the 20th Century it became a thriving seaside resort and day trippers paradise.

Settled and lived on by Celtic tribes and later the Romans, the island grew as an agricultural community during the Saxon and Medieval period and was later mentioned in the Doomsday books. Later Dutch settlement and influence can be seen in the 2 remaining and preserved cottages. One is still lived in today and the other is a fascinating museum. Today Canvey Island is well connected to the mainland by 2 bridges. A population of around 40,000 today proudly call Canvey Island ‘home’ now. Canvey Island is modernised, but with a fantastic sense of identity and it boasts a unique position. Here they have a thriving industry based upon the petrochemicals sector, providing solid employment. In fact the island was the site of the first oil terminal in England in 1936.

Canvey Island also has its cultural claim to fame, being the home to many bands in the 1970s such as Elvis Costello, The Kursaal Flyers and Dr Feelgood. This ‘Pub Rock’ revolution was written about by Will Birch in his 2000 book “No Sleep ’til Canvey Island”. The island still continues to develop new talent in tight atmospheric venues such as the Lobster Smack and the Rugby Club.

The West Canvey Marshes, now owned by the RSPB, form the impressive Canvey Wick Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This also incorporates a disused oil refinery, making it quite unusual. The 100 hectares of this fascinating site is home to over 1000 species of wildlife, including some rarities. At the eastern side of the island, reclaimed land has provided the residents here with a wonderful park of over 30 acres, the Country Heights Country Park. It provides outstanding views across the marshes and the Thames Estuary.

To pass the time in this charming location there is lots to do. Landmarks and places to visit include the Heritage Centre in the timber framed St. Katherine’s Church, There is also the renovated 1930s Labworth Cafe and the Grade 2 listed, 17th Century built Lobster Smack Pub. For the more energetic Canvey Island residents and visitors, there are big amateur sport opportunities in the area. They are proud to have rugby, football and cricket teams, as well as 2 semi-professional football teams. Excellent facilities abound, including a swimming pool, golf course two sailing clubs, an athletics track and a full sized artificial football pitch.

Canvey Island truly is a unique place to live, visit and enjoy, from its heritage, civic pride and landmarks, through to the wildlife, facilities and friendliness of the residents.

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