Heybridge Basin was dug out of Heybridge Marsh in 1793 prior to the opening of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, which ran from the Basin to Chelmsford in 1797. Prior to this the only evidence of habitation was the remains of ancient salt works. The first houses were built around the Basin in about 1793 and the community slowly built up with the increase in trade.
As the numbers of residents grew a place for worship was needed, and various rooms were rented or there was a mile walk to the Heybridge. Then at the end of the first world war came the answer to their prayers.
After the war numbers of wooden army huts became redundant. The local firm of May and Butcher purchased many such huts which had stood on Osea Island and rebuilt them in the Basin area where they were used as homes. A number of these are still in use at Millbeach and at the junction of Basin Road and Goldhanger Road.
It is quite likely that the erstwhile Sergeants’ mess hall from Goldhanger airfield was moved at the same time but this one was purchased by Mr and Mrs Bentall and presented to the parish of Heybridge, to be used as a mission church at the Basin, and was duly transferred and converted for worship.
The church was given in memory of 2nd Lieutenant Earnest Hammed Bentall of the 1st Battalion King’s Royal Riffle Corps who was killed in action on 3rd October 1915 during the Great War.
The church was dedicated, to Saint George, by the Bishop of Colchester on 4th March 1920 and has remained in use ever since. It is of timber construction covered in plaster on the outside with a small bell tower as its only addition since its military use. Internally it is very simple with a small vestry at the west end. The seating consists of benches mostly manufactured by May & Butcher, a village firm, who were makers of, among other things, mangers.
If anybody would like to expand on this series please do so. Could you please let sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.