Identify this Essex Creek?

[MASH]

I know this is a very long shot, but...

This painting is entitled "An Essex Mill" and was probably painted in the 20s or 30s. The artist lived in the Southend area at the time.

It just may be recognisable to someone.

Ideas? I can E-mail a better copy if anyone needs it.

 

[sailorman]

St Oythes (sp)

 

[tillergirl]

Might be a bizarre suggestion but I wonder if it's the top of the Colne, Marriage's mill just beyond the bridge. Barges had to drop their gear to get under the bridge but then pull it back up to load.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Salcott ?

 

[Cantata]

There's a building very like that at the top of the Crouch, at Battlesbridge, now an antiques centre. Pic of it on p.99 of ECP new edition.

 

[Jan Harber]

I think it might be Stambridge at Broomhills near the head of the Roach.

If it were Battlesbridge, looking upstream, we should see the road bridge. There is no road bridge at Stambridge. Also looking at some old photos in Robert Simper's book Essex Rivers and Creeks, the buildings look right for Stambridge.

Rankins had two barges, Joy and Lord Roberts, which could be the ones in the painting. Is there a date on the painting? Cambria (Bob Roberts) was the last barge to trade under sail and she used to lighter imported wheat from Baltic Wharf in the Crouch round to Stambridge Mills. So it says in the book.
Jan

 

[FullCircle]

I also think this is Stambridge Mills on the Roach. I have compared photos from the early 50s, and the general shape fits, although of course the buildings evolved until the fire in 2008.
The tree line in the background also fits the current view from Sutton Wharf just downstream from where I think this is taken.

I am sure this could be confirmed by the Rochford District Community Archive
http://www.rochforddistricthistory.org.uk/index.aspx

If you ever think of selling it, please let me know, as I live just up the road from there.

 

[MASH]

Thanks very much indeed for the info everyone, I had high hopes for the Colne lead but also saw the layout was wrong. The Stanbridge tip seems much hotter, I'll follow it up further. As to selling it...well, I suppose you have to try but no way is that being sold while I draw breath.

edit. just checked this on Google Earth.

Jan, fullcircle, The sightlines from the field by the big house fit perfectly. Bingo! Thank you both so so much. I'm absolutely thrilled to have pinned a location to a family heirloom. Brilliant!

 

[millbeach]

Creek opp "THE OLD MILL"
Millbeach, Blackwater.
Next to Saltcote sailing club...

 

[Mariner69]

Creek opp "THE OLD MILL"
Millbeach, Blackwater.
Next to Saltcote sailing club...

+1

 

[millbeach]

Old mill burnt down years ago..

The "old mill" burnt down some 20 years ago.
Been rebuilt, but now turned into posh flats and houses.

Like i said before, slap bang between Saltcote sailing club and Blackwater sailing club.Next to "Happy days caravan park"
You cant realy get up that creek no more due to sunken boat rotting away near the entrance.

Do i get a prize ??

Though probably wrong creek i guess, but 99% i think..