Secret City of Southend: Secret

Southend-on-Sea was only developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it became a popular seaside resort, but behind its facade lie many little known and fascinating stories. In Secret Southend, author Ian Yearsley reveals the history beneath the surface of Southend from its eight historic parishes to the present-day commercial centre.

Amongst the topics covered are the old parish boundary markers that can be found today, what the various street names reveal about the times when they were built, the tramway and trolleybus systems, Southend's boulevards and its old roads and lost roads, buildings which are now gone, the key role played by the town in the Second World War and the relics of wartime that still survive and much more.

With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Southend will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Essex.