Osea Island

Osea Island is very healthy, is constantly swept by sea breezes; and during the winter months is actually milder than the mainland. If we embark at Maldon, which is the nearest town, it is very pleasant sailing to the Island, and if wind and tide are favourable takes a little over half an hour to cover the five miles. The best landing point is on the South side, just by the small bay. The beach is composed of small pebbles, and is most suitable for bathing at all tides.

Beeleigh Falls, near Maldon

A Twin-screp Passanger Steamer is now running between Maldon and Osea Island and also makes Excursions down the Blackwater Estuary. The coast rises about 15 to 20 feet above the sea, the centre ridge being the highest point, and affords a most healthy situation and receives the purest Ozone air.

The soil is excellent, the upper consists of light land, with a substratum of solid gravel. The coast line or boundary of the Island is nearly four miles, and presents a very fine frontage. The length is about one mile and a half, with a breadth of about half a mile, the whole Island being surrounded with an average of one mile of the saltest of sea-water.

The Isle of Osea is richly studded with grand and stately old elm trees, and which appear most picturesque when viewed from the sea.

Osea Island may be considered one of the most romantic, interesting and unique spots in England.

Many places of great antiquity and interest may be visited in the neighbourhood, and from Osea fine views may be obtained of the mainland.

Making Ready in the Winter - Daily Graphic

A Historical Sketch of the past owners will be found on future articles, from the the reign of Edward the Confessor to the present time.

The Saltings are a most interesting portion of the Island which consist of lower ground, and are to be found on the North, South and East sides. They are intersected by various small channels, and through which the ordinary tides continually flow and ebb. The ground is covered by many specimens and varieties of beautiful coloured flowering plants and marine shrubs. These thrive most luxuriantly and at certain months of the year these fields are carpets of the most chaste flowers, and producing the richest colours.

The fishing all round and in the neighbourhood is excellent, and many different varieties may be caught. Here can be found whiting, plaice, dabs, soles, codlings, basse and mullets, whilst eels can be obtained by punting, or spearing on the banks. Porpoises and seals may be seen round the Island at times.

To be continued…