ST OSYTH

ST Osyth is an historic village still dominated visually by the Priory.  The Parish is one of the largest in Essex Covering over 20 square kilometres and includes the main settlement, Point Clear and the hamlet of Chisbon Heath. Its borders stretch from Great Bentley in the west, to the A133 at Weeley Heath in the east, returning to the coast by Jaywick. Point Clear drew and developed post-Second World War as the area became popular as a holiday destination. St Osyth lies on the Tendring Peninsula between the Rivers Colne and Stour, with resorts of Clacton, historic Harwich, Frinton, Walton on the Naze and Brightlingsea close at hand. St Osyth is ideally situated as a base for touring this part of East Anglia with Colchester, with its Norman Castle, and the Suffolk borders, whose countryside was immortalised by John Constable at Dedham and Flatford Mill, all in easy reach. There has been a settlement here since the Bronze Age and later Romans used the creek to ship salt to the area. The post-medieval street layout remains unchanged and features such as the Market Square and Fairground are still traceable. As a consequence, St Osyth enjoys the status of an Essex Historic Town and this is echoed in the wealth of listed buildings. 

From the crossroads, the four main roads feature many Tudor houses several with earlier origins, and Essex weather-boarded cottages. On the fringes is St Clere's Hall, a moated aisled hall house, circa 1320, and many listed farmhouses.