The History of Harwich

King Alfred’s fleet defeated a fleet of sixteen Danish ships in a battle at the mouth of the River Stour.

King Alfred’s fleet defeated a fleet of sixteen Danish ships in a battle at the mouth of the River Stour.

The port of Harwich received its charter from King Edward II.

Queen Isabella landed at Harwich with 2,750 soldiers before marching to Bristol against Edward II.

Edward III embarked from Harwich with 500 ships, on his first expedition against France.

A small French fleet made an unsuccessful attempt to set Harwich ablaze.

Edward III’s fleet sailed from Harwich to confront 400 French ships at Sluys. The English achieved a remarkable victory in what was the first sea battle of the Hundred Years War.

A blockhouse fort was built, on the site of the present Beacon Hill Battery, to defend the port of Harwich, Essex.

Mayflower ship sailed with 132 people – Captain Christopher Jones

A Spanish fleet appeared off Harwich which caused considerable panic in the town.

The town was fortified against the Dutch. Several naval engagements occurred off Harwich, between the English and Dutch, during the reign of Charles II, some of which were so close that they could be witnessed by spectators from the cliffs.

The Naval Treadmill Crane on Harwich Green, probably unique in the world, was built to lift naval stores.

The Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz landed at Harwich on her way to be married to George III.

The Guildhall was built on the site of the The Bear Inn where council meetings had been held since 1673.

There was a thriving fishery industry with 78 vessels operating from Harwich at this date.

The Redoubt was built as part of coastal defences, against threatened invasion during the Napoleonic Wars.

Bath Side Battery was built as part of the same complex as the Redoubt

The High Lighthouse was built by General Rebow.

St Nicholas’ Church was rebuilt.

The body of Queen Caroline, wife of King George IV, was taken aboard a frigate at Harwich on its way to be interred at Brunswick in Germany.

Harwich Municipal Borough was created. It was abolished in 1974.

Royal Harwich Yacht Club was formed; patrons include King George V, King George VI and Prince Phillip as its current.

Dovercourt was developed as a seaside resort, promoted by the local MP John Bagshaw.

The railway line between Colchester and Harwich was opened.

The two lighthouses by the pier at Dovercourt were built.

The Great Eastern Hotel was built, which later was converted to become the Town Hall.

The Parkeston Quay, just west of Harwich, was opened by the Great Eastern Railway company to accommodate the increased shipping trade.

A new fort was built at Beacon Hill which was in put into service during WW1 and WW2. It was finally decommissioned in 1956.

Harwich Civil Parish was created, part of Harwich Municipal Borough.

Harwich & Parkeston Football Club reached the final of the FA Amateur Cup, losing to Pegasus at Wembley.

The Harwich Society was founded to help preserve the ancient seaport town.

Under the Local Government Act (1972), the municipal borough of Harwich was abolished and administratively Harwich became part of the newly created Tendring District.

Parkeston Quay was acquired by Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd and renamed Harwich International Port

The total population of the Tendring District according to the census was 138,555. The population of Harwich and Dovercourt was approximately 15,500.