Brightlingsea
Brightlingsea is a coastal town in the
Tendring district of
Essex, roughly between
Colchester and
Clacton-on-Sea, situated at the mouth of the
River Colne, on Brightlingsea Creek.
Its traditional industries included fishery (with a renowned
oyster fishery) and shipbuilding. With the decline of these industries, the town is largely a
dormitory town for Colchester, and a popular retirement destination.
Brightlingsea is a limb of
Sandwich, one of the
Cinque Ports. This makes it the only Cinque Port in Essex.
The town retains an active ceremonial connection with the Cinque Ports, electing a Deputy from a guild of
Freemen.
The town has an active recreational boating scene. Brightlingsea Sailing Club runs an active competitive sailing program, and has produced many champions at international and
olympic level. The Colne Yacht Club caters mainly to
cruising members. They have an active cruiser racing fleet.
Brightlingsea was for many years twinned with French oyster fishery port Marennes, but the relationship fell into disuse.
In the centre of the town is Jacob's Hall, the oldest timber-framed building in England. Also in the town centre is Victoria place, where there are lots of shops from Tesco to Spirals, the stationers.
To the West, on the creek is Western Promanade. It has lines of beach huts, a swimming pool, boating lake and a paddling pool. It is a popular destination for tourists. Bateman's Tower, a local landmark by the sea, has recently been renovated by a local resident.
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Brightlingsea Sailing Club*
Colne Yacht Club*
Brightlingsea Cricket Club*
Town Guide*
EasternYachts.com Brightlingsea Internet Yacht Brokerage*
Brightlingsea - White's Directory of Essex, 1848
