The Town : An Introduction
Brightlingsea is a small town located on the N E Essex Coast, some twelve miles from Colchester (to the North West) and Clacton-on-Sea, to the East. It has a resident population of some 8,500 inhabitants, (with 6,093 registered on the current Electoral Roll, Jan. '06). This occupies mixed housing which ranges from the very historic, to an up-coming Waterside residential development with marina, close to the original harbour, which will be available for occupation during late 2006/early 2007.
Brightlingsea Town Council came into being under the Local Government Re-organisation of 1974, when it took over the roles and responsibilities previously conducted (over many preceding decades from 1896), by the old Brightlingsea Urban District Council.
Owing to its geographical proximity to both Colchester and Clacton, the two largest local towns, Brightlingsea Town and vicinity have direct everyday and strategic linkages to both the Colchester Borough and Tendring District of second-tier Local Government, whilst also working very closely in connection with Essex County Council (Chelmsford) schemes, organisation and initiatives.
A free Town Guide, with Town Centre Map, is published every year, usually late Winter / early Spring, which is, in turn supported not only by this website, but also the Town Guide website, available via : -
Summary Information provided includes details about ...
A Profile of the Coming Year's Major Events, such as the Colne and Blackwater Festival of Sail, 'Brightlingsea in Bloom' Campaigns, the traditional Town Carnival and Annual Music Festival, Pyefleet (Sailing) Week, the Town Regatta and Town Fair, Smack and Barge Racing and the customary Christmas / Late Night Shopping Day in mid-December
The Cinque Port Liberty; associations and ceremony linked to Sandwich, Kent, established soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066
All Saints Church; historic and impressive structure, built ca. 1250, with near 100 ft tower, higly praised by Pevsner. Cinque Port and Seafaring links, excellent local views & walks
The Harbour Commissioners (Maritime Matters)
Brightlingsea Business Association and features on a wide range of local shops, trades, services and business interests
The Brightlingsea - St. Osyth Stone / Point Clear - East Mersea Passenger Ferry : Unique in Essex in connecting three points within the County (rather than to the Suffolk shore via the Harwich/Shotley/Felixtowe Ferry Link, this vessel carries up to twelve fare-paying foot passengers on a seasonal service which operates from April to October inclusive. It is wheelchair-user and pedal-cycle friendly, and also accommodates dogs-on-leads for the short triangular estuary crossings, which provide links to local shopping facilities, places such as the Cudmore Grove Country Park and alternative public transport services
Brightlingsea Museum (Local History Collection, Duke Street - pt-time opening hours)
Brightlingsea Public Library (New Street) : Part of the Essex County Council's Library Service
The Colne Smack Preservation Society
Brightlingsea Sailing Club
The 'Saxonia' Bawley Charter
Local Sports Facilities
Brightlingsea Farmers Market and Community Centre
Listings for a wide range of Local Organisations and Voluintary Bodies / Branches active throught each year in Brightlingsea and District
Education
The Colne Yacht Club
'Springmead' - Brightlingsea's Secret Garden (Landscaped Gardens open, free-of-charge, to local residents and visitors alike, established 1927
The Colne Estuary SSSI (National Nature Reserve / 'Natural 2000' site); Managed by English Nature, a large area of Tidal Mudflats, Saltings, Marsh and Woodland, incorporating footpaths and a Nature Trail. Excellent locality for ornithology, beach and estuary walks, maritime botanical interest
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