Osea Island

So crowded are our health resorts in the “season” that new one, especially if it be good and near London, is sure to prove attractive. So we are pleased to call attention to what, controlled by Mr. F. N. Charrington, promises to be an interesting, perhaps even an ideal, pleasure place. Since Robinson Crusope’s adventures charmed the people of many lands, island life has always possessed a peculiar fascination; and life on an island, with “all the latest improvements” – including the exclusion of drink – is what Mr. Charrington offers us within forty miles of the Metropolis.

The plan is this: Mr. Charrington has recently purchased Osea Island, of which probably few of us have even heard. It is the coast of Essex, within five miles of the ancient port and town of Maldon in Essex, and Maldon is only thirty six miles by road from the Metropolis. The length of the island is bounded on three sides by about a mile of sea, and the east side is open to the ocean. This place, which has an interesting history and many other attractions, especially for visitors, Mr. Charrington intends to develop into a popular seaside resort, and he is disposing of the land for this purpose, under stringent restrictions that will prevent a license of any kind, or any club for the sale of intoxicating drink, existing there. Mr. Charrington believes temperance is necessary to health. On Osea Island, temperance will be compulsory, and he thinks this will be a grand opportunity for philanthropists and those interested in social reform, to start any scheme of their own in the shape of convalescent homes and inebriate retreats in a prohibition territory, entirely surrounded by the sea.

Osea Island: Ships at Anchor. Low Tide.

Osea Island is described as very healthy, and during the winter months is actually milder than the mainland. Bathing can be safely indulged in at all times of the tide; the surrounding water is pleasant for sailing; and there are exceptional facilities for fishing and shooting. Whiting, plaice, dabs, soles, codlings, bass, mullets are to be had; and in the description Mr. Charrington sends us it is added that “porpoises, whales and dolphin may be seen disporting round the island at times.” Surely the hearts of fishermen will rejoice! Wild fowl seem to like being shot there. It is stated that one Maldon man once shot 75 widgeon at one shot, and the further record is given of a gunner who fired into a flock of coots, when a great gull was hovering over them and bagged 63. Maldon gunners should be more famous than they are, for another performance is described of a townsman who shot 120 geese in three successive shots. On Osea Island the archaeologist and botanist is also provided for.

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