Battlesbridge Marsh (EHER 48430)

An area of ‘improved’ grass and scrub subdivided into paddocks located on the southern bank of the upper reaches of the Crouch Estuary, immediately to the east of Battlesbridge.

2014. Historic Grazing Marsh Project. Historic environment character: An area of ‘improved’ grass and scrub subdivided into paddocks located on the southern bank of the upper reaches of the Crouch Estuary, immediately to the east of Battlesbridge. The marsh was reclaimed by the time of the Chapman and Andre map of 1777 <1>. The sea wall depicted on the 1st edition OS map survives, although it has been altered <2>. The regular drainage ditches subdivide the marsh into four equally sized fields, these are depicted on the 1st edition OS map. There is further modern subdivision in the form of fences to create paddocks for horses. One of the fields is reverting to scrub. The roofless remains of a small rectangular structure, probably a field barn, survive at the eastern end of the marsh, this is depicted on the 3rd edition. OS (1922) <3>. In addition there are a number of small modern stables. See <4>.