Southminster

Civil Parish in Essex Maldon

England

Southminster

Sheep in field, Asheldham Chase As seen from public footpath. — Sheep in field, Asheldham Chase Credit: Roger Jones

Southminster is a civil parish located in the Maldon district of Essex, England. It is situated on the Dengie peninsula, which stretches out into the North Sea. The parish covers an area of approximately 17 square kilometers and has a population of around 4,500 people.

The town of Southminster itself is a small and charming community, with a picturesque high street lined with historic buildings. It is primarily a residential area, with a mix of housing styles ranging from traditional cottages to modern developments. The town center offers a range of amenities, including local shops, cafes, pubs, and a supermarket. There is also a weekly market held in the town, providing residents with fresh produce and other goods.

Southminster is well-connected to other parts of Essex and beyond. The town has its own railway station, offering regular services to London Liverpool Street, making it an attractive location for commuters. Additionally, the A132 road passes through the parish, providing easy access to nearby towns and the wider road network.

The surrounding countryside is predominantly agricultural, with vast fields and farmland stretching out towards the coast. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with several nature reserves and walking trails for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Dengie peninsula is also home to several historic landmarks, including the 12th-century St. Leonard's Church and the iconic Bradwell Power Station.

Overall, Southminster offers a peaceful and idyllic living environment, with its rural charm, excellent transport links, and close-knit community.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Southminster Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.660829/0.83642 or Grid Reference TQ9699. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sheep in field, Asheldham Chase

As seen from public footpath.

Roger Jones

Off-putting stile, Asheldham

This stile at the entrance to a footbridge on a public footpath is to my mind unnecessarily difficult to use.

Roger Jones

Asheldham, Farm track/ public footpath

Michael Garlick

Hay harvest, Badnocks Farm, Essex

On the Dengie peninsula, the hay is bound into brick-shaped bales which can be economically stacked onto a lorry.

Dr Neil Clifton

Asheldham Lodge, Essex

A fine large modern detached house.

Dr Neil Clifton

Squeaks House

This is Squeaks House in Steeple Rd Southminster. It is a care home for the elderly with space for 29 residents

Glyn Baker

Bridge on Sheepcotes Lane

Sheepcotes Lane runs from Southminster to Foxhall Rd. It is a “route with public access” as far as the Bridge. Beyond that it is a bridle path that runs to the left of Sheepcotes farmhouse.

Glyn Baker

Oldmoor Farm Barns

These asbestos barns can be found on Tillingham Road northeast of Southminster

Glyn Baker

Knightswood Centre

This is the Knightswood Centre it is a charitable day care centre for older people see Link

. It is located on a bend in Steeple Rd Southminster.

Glyn Baker

Asheldham Brook

Asheldham Brook looking rather sluggish despite recent rain.

Glyn Baker

An old house in Southminster

This house, which looks like it is early 18th century, is called Home Farm House that indicates there was once a farm here, but now it is surrounded by houses. The road junction is on the B.1021

Robert Edwards

Graveyard Gate

Just beyond this lych gate is a narrow strip of land which may well be the remains of a previously larger cemetery. Smoke from a nearby bonfire slightly gives the background the appearance of being wrapped in mist: if you look carefully you can see the outline of a dark ghostly figure walking amongst the graves.

Roger Jones

Farm track and footpath

Public footpath on track to Sheepcotes

Roger Jones

Older houses, Northend

A group of older houses, most likely C19 or earlier: this part of Southminster has a few older buildings from C17 onwards.

Roger Jones

Foxhall Rd junction with Tillingham Road

Note sign for Dengie Public Weighbridge.

Roger Jones

Thatched cottage with weatherboarding

Cottage, C17 or earlier; timber framed and weatherboarded; thatched roof Listed building see: Link

for more info

Roger Jones

Trees and hedgerow on Foxhall Road verge

The Dengie (pronounced with a soft G) Peninsula is an area of South Essex, bounded by the River Blackwater to the north, the River Crouch to the south and the North Sea to the east. The western Boundary of the old "Dengie Hundred" ran from (and included) North Fambridge to Woodham Walter: The nearby town of Maldon was not part of the Dengie Hundred as it was a borough in its own right. See Link

for a map of the Essex Hundreds. The area has a relatively low population density, with large areas of farm and marsh land. The largest towns are Burnham on Crouch with a population of c. 7,500 and Southminster with a population of c. 3,800. Useful links: Dengie 100 Link

Essex-family-history Link

wikipedia Link

Roger Jones