History of Great Baddow

Great Baddow, the Church 1898
Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

History of Great Baddow >> Great Baddow Snippets

Great Baddow Snippets

When researching for this website we often find a little snippet of information on a location or subject which may be of interest. Here is one for Great Baddow.

Times Oct 8 1804

The batteries raising on Galleywood Common, Essex, for the protection of the metropolis, in case of a landing being effected by the enemy on the Essex Coast, are in a great state of forwardness. They already extend some miles in length, but, when completed, will occupy a distance of six miles.

The situation has been judiciously chosen, and seems by nature designed for the purpose to which is applied. Its heights commands an extensive view of the county of Essex, in every direction, so that it would be impracticable for any considerable force to pass from the coast to London, without being exposed to the fire of the batteries.

There are at present 2500 of the military encamped on the Common; the greatest part of which consist of the Warwick, and 2d Surry Militia. All the privates are daily employed at the works, except about forty, whom it is thought necessary to keep on duty. The camps are not expected to break up as long as the weather will possibly suffer the men to proceed with the works.