Schools

Select an Area Abberton Fingrinhoe Langenhoe Layer De La Haye Mersea Peldon Rowhedge Salcott Cum Virley Tolleshunt Knights Tolleshunt Major

Mersea Island is connected to the mainland by the Strood - a road causeway, without which Mersea Island would be cut off from the mainland at every high tide (twice daily). However, the roadway has been constructed so that only the highest tides, usually two or three times. a fortnight around mid-day or midnight, render Mersea a true Island.

The Island's history dates back to Celtic times and is rich in Roman relics including floor mosaics and the Burial Burrow, the contents of which are now in nearby Colchester's museum. The Danes even camped on Mersea before sailing inland down the Thames to London, evidence being proved by the moated area of East Mersea Church and Hall. Later, Mersea Island, along with parts of Peldon, Langenhoe and Fingringhoe, were given to the Abbey of St Ouen in France to commemorate the succession of Edward the Confessor to the English Throne.

However, Mersea Island continued to prosper as a farming and fishing community with the Native Mersea Oyster already being much sought after. With the coming of the Black Death Plague in the mid 14 h Century, the population was much decreased. Over the following century many of the current landmarks and place names became recognised with most of the existing farms like Bocking Hall Farm dating back to that time. The population increased and the farming/fishing community of the present day was established. In the W1 Century the Island became infamous for its tales of smuggling. The Rector of East Mersea, Rev. Baring-Gould, wrote the now famous book 'Mehalah' which depicts Mersea and the surrounding area of that time.Modern day Mersea still depends on the land and water for its livelihood.

Today there is a distinct difference between the two villages of East and West Mersea.

Mersea boasts a nice, large beach and clean waters. The conditions can suit anyone from beginners to the more experienced. Beginners will also find the sand banks helpful with learning because they work well for sailing to and from. The presence of sand banks gives beginners a good place to sail to and from without feeling too exposed. The beach and nearby river don't get too busy, even in the summer and 8 knot bouys at about 1/4 of a mile out prevent power boats from tearing up the water. On a good wind day, you may see Dave White and the White Boarders team strutting their stuff.
In good winds, you can sail over to Bradwell on frequently mirror flat waters giving good speed sailing conditions.

select an area Abberton Fingrinhoe Langenhoe Layer De La Haye Mersea Peldon Rowhedge Salcott Cum Virley Tolleshunt Knights Tolleshunt Major