The Essex village of Purleigh lies a few miles north of the notable town of Burnham, on the river Crouch, the estuary north of the Thames. In 1650 John Washington, son of a rector from Purleigh and the great-grandfather of George Washington, first president of USA, became one of the first Englishmen to emigrate to America.

In 1665 as the outbreak of the Great plague in London spread and the south of England was greatly affected, making heroes of sailors from Burnham and Bradwell. These were amongst the bravest of people who continued to take grain to London at the time. They were honoured for their bravery and subsequently allowed to land grain in London, without paying duty, forever.

From 1661 Charles I had the rights to oyster beds in the river which were leased to local companies and over time, Crouch Oysters came to national fame. By the Late 1700s the oyster bed in the river which were leased to Local Companies commanding large rents and employing many men – some to cultivate and some to protect oysters from thieves. Later, during the Napoleonic wars, Burnham built sea defences with a batteries of 24 pound guns operated by Sea Fencibles (volunteer coastal militia).

In 1889, a branch line from Wickford to Southminster passing through Burnham, materials to build a new railway were brought in by river on Thames Barges – ironically, since the consequence of the railway itself became the doom of the Thames Barge, which had been the life-line in and out of London and the primary means of moving heavy loads along the Thames since the mid 19th century.

A museum in Burnham-on-Crouch is situated on the west quay where there is recorded the history of this famous River and its impact on surrounding areas.  Famous water indeed.

The promises of God in the Bible, includes much about water – and that of far more importance and worth.

God made this Old Testament promise to His people.

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. (Isaiah 44:3,4)

And Jesus made this New Testament promise:

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ “  (John 7:38)

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