Victoria County History of Essex
Researching and publishing the local history of Essex
The Victoria County History Project
We are proud to be part of the national Victoria County History project, which is based at the Institute of Historical Research in the School of Advanced Studies at the University of London. For more information please visit their website.
Discover our Research and Publications
Our first major volume was published in 1903 and our latest volume, on the coastal parishes between St Osyth and the Naze, was published in 2022. We also publish short-form local histories, with a volume on the history of Southend as a seaside resort recently published.
Support Us
Our work would not be possible without the support of our volunteer groups and generous donations from our members. We are always delighted to hear from people who would like to become supporters of the Victoria County History of Essex and help us complete our mission to research and write the history of every place in Essex!
From our blog
Clacton group receives VCH Outstanding Contribution Award
Representatives of Essex VCH were delighted to attend the annual VCH day on Thursday 14 May, to see the Clacton VCH group be given an Outstanding Contribution Award. The VCH day, held at the Institute for Historical Research at Senate House in London, is a chance for VCH groups from across the country to come together to hear…
The Home Front and civilian morale in Harwich and Dovercourt
To mark the uploading of our latest draft history on Harwich and Dovercourt during WW2, VCH contributing editor Dr Andrew Senter has written this blog examining civilian morale during the conflict. During the Second World War civilian morale on the Home Front was maintained by a variety of means. All denominations of the church played…
Lord Howard’s Larder – VCH Luncheon at Lambard’s Salthouse, Harwich, 7 March 2026
In support of the VCH Essex Trust and its work on Harwich [Red Book Vol XIII], Nick May, the owner and landlord of the Lambard’s Salthouse restaurant in Harwich, ran a fundraising luncheon special menu. On 7 March there was a special occasion at which the former county editor, Chris Thornton, gave a short talk…
Victoria County History of Essex 