Shoebury Marsh (EHER 48414)

Six fields of surviving improved and unimproved grazing marsh located on the mainland at ‘Fleethead’ and the former island of ‘Lambgore Marsh’, which is surrounded on three sides by creeks. The main fleets survive as water filled drains.

2014. Historic Grazing Marsh Project. Historic environment character: Six fields of surviving improved and unimproved grazing marsh located on the mainland at ‘Fleethead’ and the former island of ‘Lambgore Marsh’, which is surrounded on three sides by creeks. The main fleets survive as water filled drains. An historic counter wall is recorded along with the sea walls. A red hill has been identified. Documentary records indicate that ‘Lambgore Marsh’ had not been reclaimed by the late 17th century, but the former salt marsh island is shown as grazing marsh on the Chapman and Andre map of 1777 <1>. The former island is surrounded on three sides by tidal creeks, and has significant internal water-filled fleets and creeks, as well as fossilised creeks in some areas of unimproved grassland. A substantial sea wall survives on the western side of marsh, and a small stretch of historic sea wall or counter survives at southern end of area. A single red hill is recorded within area. Areas of ‘stetch’ cultivation are identifiable along with other forms of surface drainage. A property ‘Halfway house’ depicted on the 1st edition OS map is still occupied <2>. See <3>