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{{Short description|Town in Essex, England}} | {{Short description|Town in Essex, England}} | ||
{{Other places}} | {{Other places}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}} | ||
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}} | {{Use British English|date=May 2013}} | ||
{{infobox UK place | {{infobox UK place | ||
|country = England | |country = England | ||
|static_image_name = Harwich England.jpg | |static_image_name = Harwich England.jpg | ||
|static_image_caption = | |static_image_caption = | ||
|official_name = Harwich | |official_name = Harwich | ||
|coordinates = {{coord|51 | |coordinates = {{coord|51|56|40|N|1|17|18|E|display=inline,title}} | ||
|label_position = left | |label_position = left | ||
| population = | | population = 18,794 | ||
| population_ref = ( | | population_ref = (Parish, 2021)<ref name=2021census>{{cite web |title=2021 Census Parish Profiles |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/sources/census_2021_pp |website=NOMIS |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=31 March 2025}} (To get individual parish data, use the query function on table PP002.)</ref><br/>{{nowrap|20,215 (Built up area, 2021)<ref name=bua>{{cite web |title=Towns and cities, characteristics of built-up areas, England and Wales: Census 2021 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/townsandcitiescharacteristicsofbuiltupareasenglandandwales/census2021 |website=Census 2021 |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=17 October 2025 }}</ref>}} | ||
|civil_parish = Harwich | |||
|shire_district = [[Tendring District|Tendring]] | |||
| shire_county = [[Essex]] | | shire_county = [[Essex]] | ||
|region = East of England | |region = East of England | ||
|constituency_westminster = [[ | |constituency_westminster = [[Harwich and North Essex]] | ||
|post_town = HARWICH | |post_town = HARWICH | ||
|postcode_area = CO | |postcode_area = CO | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''Harwich''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|ær|ᵻ|tʃ}} is a town in [[ | '''Harwich''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|ær|ᵻ|tʃ}} is a port town and [[civil parish]] in the [[Tendring District|Tendring]] district of [[Essex]], England. It is one of the [[Haven ports]] on the [[North Sea]] coast. Nearby places include [[Felixstowe]] to the north-east, [[Ipswich]] to the north-west, [[Colchester]] to the south-west and [[Clacton-on-Sea]] to the south. It is the northernmost coastal town in Essex. | ||
Its position on the estuaries of the [[River Stour, Suffolk|Stour]] and [[River Orwell|Orwell]] rivers, with its usefulness to mariners as the | Its position on the estuaries of the [[River Stour, Suffolk|Stour]] and [[River Orwell|Orwell]] rivers, with its usefulness to mariners as one of the safest ports between the [[River Thames|Thames]] and the [[Humber]], led to a long period of civil and military maritime significance. The town became a naval base in 1657 and was heavily fortified,<ref>Trollope, C., "The Defences of Harwich", ''Fort'' ([[Fortress Study Group]]), 1982, ('''10'''), pp5-31</ref> with [[Harwich Redoubt]], [[Beacon Hill Battery]], and [[Bath Side Battery]]. | ||
The ''[[Mayflower]]'', which carried English [[Puritans]] to North America, was registered with Harwich as its home port, and Harwich is the presumed birthplace of ''Mayflower'' captain [[Christopher Jones (Mayflower captain)|Christopher Jones]]. | |||
The historic core of the town stands at the end of a peninsula. The built up area now extends westwards from the peninsula to included [[Dovercourt]], which has been administered as part of Harwich since at least the 17th century. There are few retail facilities in the historic core of Harwich today, and Dovercourt now has the main retail town centre for the built up area. The main port facilities of [[Harwich International Port]] are now at [[Parkeston, Essex|Parkeston]], about {{convert|1|mile|km|1}} upstream on the Stour from the old town's quays. | |||
At the [[2021–2022 United Kingdom censuses|2021 census]], the population of the parish of Harwich (which includes Dovercourt) was 18,794, and the population of the built up area as defined by the [[Office for National Statistics]] (which extends beyond Harwich parish to also include parts of the neighbouring parishes of [[Little Oakley, Essex|Little Oakley]] and [[Ramsey and Parkeston]]) was 20,215. | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The town's name means "military settlement", from Old English ''here-wic''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=PzIer-wYbnQC&dq=harwich+military+settlement&pg=PA152 Adrian Room, ''Placenames of the World'' (2003), "Harwich"]. Retrieved 20 December 2010</ref> | The town's name means "military settlement", from Old English ''here-wic''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=PzIer-wYbnQC&dq=harwich+military+settlement&pg=PA152 Adrian Room, ''Placenames of the World'' (2003), "Harwich"]. Retrieved 20 December 2010</ref> | ||
In 885 the | [[Roman Empire|Roman]] remains have been found in the area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=sarcophagus {{!}} British Museum |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1939-0327-4 |access-date=9 March 2023 |website=The British Museum |language=en }}</ref> In 885 the River Stour north of the town was the location for the two battles. | ||
[[File:Harwich Harbour 1804.png|upright|thumb|left|An 1804 chart of Harwich from a survey by Graeme Spence]] | |||
Harwich was anciently part of the [[Manorialism|manor]] and [[ancient parish|parish]] of Dovercourt. The original village of Dovercourt was at what is now known as Upper Dovercourt, a little way inland. In 1177, a [[chapel of ease]] was recorded at Harwich, which was probably a very small settlement at that time. It was not until the [[Duke of Norfolk]] as [[lord of the manor]] obtained the right to hold a market at Harwich in 1253 that the town began to develop more significantly. Harwich was granted its first [[municipal charter|charter]] making it a [[ancient borough|borough]] in 1318.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Harwich and Dovercourt |url=https://www.harwichanddovercourt.co.uk/harwich-history/ |website=Harwich and Dovercourt |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> The town was deemed to be a separate parish for [[civil parish|civil]] purposes by the 16th century, but remained part of the ecclesiastical parish of Dovercourt until 1871, when its chapel of St Nicholas was upgraded to being a parish church.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Youngs |first1=Frederic |title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England: Volume I, Southern England |date=1979 |publisher=Royal Historical Society |location=London |isbn=0901050679 |pages=140 }}</ref> | |||
The town | The town was the target of an abortive raid by French forces under [[Antonio Doria]] on 24 March 1339 during the [[Hundred Years' War]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sumption |first1=Jonathan |title=Trial by Battle: The Hundred Years War, Vol. 1 |year=1999 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0571200955 }}</ref> | ||
The town was the | The town is known to have been granted several borough charters in medieval times, but the earliest surviving charter was issued in 1604. This charter confirms that the borough covered the whole area of the two parishes of Harwich St Nicholas and Dovercourt; it is not clear whether Dovercourt was added to the borough by virtue of that charter or whether Dovercourt was already included in the borough under the earlier lost charters.<ref name=commissioners>{{cite book |title=Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Municipal Corporations in England and Wales: Appendix 4 |date=1835 |page=2261 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MHBTAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA2261 |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> | ||
Because of its strategic position, Harwich was the target for the [[Glorious Revolution#Crossing and landing|invasion]] of Britain by [[William III of England|William of Orange]] on 11 November 1688. However, unfavourable winds forced his fleet to sail into the [[English Channel]] instead and eventually land at [[Torbay]]. Due to the involvement of the [[Frederick Schomberg, 1st Duke of Schomberg|Schomberg]] family in the invasion, Charles Louis Schomberg was made Marquess of Harwich. | Because of its strategic position, Harwich was the target for the [[Glorious Revolution#Crossing and landing|invasion]] of Britain by [[William III of England|William of Orange]] on 11 November 1688. However, unfavourable winds forced his fleet to sail into the [[English Channel]] instead and eventually land at [[Torbay]]. Due to the involvement of the [[Frederick Schomberg, 1st Duke of Schomberg|Schomberg]] family in the invasion, Charles Louis Schomberg was made Marquess of Harwich. | ||
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Writer [[Daniel Defoe]] devotes a few pages to the town in ''[[A tour thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain]]''. Visiting in 1722, he noted its formidable [[fort]] and [[harbour]] "of a vast extent".<ref name=Defoe>Daniel Defoe, ''A tour thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain'' (1724–1726) [http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/text/chap_page.jsp?t_id=Defoe&c_id=3&p_id=44 Available online here]</ref> The town, he recounts, was also known for an unusual [[chalybeate spring]] rising on Beacon Hill (a [[promontory]] to the north-east of the town), which "petrified" [[clay]], allowing it to be used to pave Harwich's streets and build its walls. The locals also claimed that "the same spring is said to turn wood into iron", but Defoe put this down to the presence of "[[copperas]]" in the water. Regarding the atmosphere of the town, he states: "Harwich is a town of hurry and business, not much of gaiety and pleasure; yet the inhabitants seem warm in their nests and some of them are very wealthy".<ref name=Defoe/> | Writer [[Daniel Defoe]] devotes a few pages to the town in ''[[A tour thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain]]''. Visiting in 1722, he noted its formidable [[fort]] and [[harbour]] "of a vast extent".<ref name=Defoe>Daniel Defoe, ''A tour thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain'' (1724–1726) [http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/text/chap_page.jsp?t_id=Defoe&c_id=3&p_id=44 Available online here]</ref> The town, he recounts, was also known for an unusual [[chalybeate spring]] rising on Beacon Hill (a [[promontory]] to the north-east of the town), which "petrified" [[clay]], allowing it to be used to pave Harwich's streets and build its walls. The locals also claimed that "the same spring is said to turn wood into iron", but Defoe put this down to the presence of "[[copperas]]" in the water. Regarding the atmosphere of the town, he states: "Harwich is a town of hurry and business, not much of gaiety and pleasure; yet the inhabitants seem warm in their nests and some of them are very wealthy".<ref name=Defoe/> | ||
In the late 19th century and early 20th century the hamlet of Lower Dovercourt, lying on the western edge of Harwich between the town and the older village of Upper Dovercourt, was significantly developed. Both Upper Dovercourt and Lower Dovercourt were being described as suburbs of Harwich by the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite book |title=Kelly's Directory of Essex |date=1914 |page=296 |url=https://leicester.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/60886/rec/2 |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> Lying next to [[Dovercourt railway station]], Lower Dovercourt came to be known as Dovercourt and it now has the main town centre for the Harwich built up area; there are today few retail facilities in the old town of Harwich.<ref>{{cite book |title=Dovercourt Masterplan Revisited |date=2019 |publisher=Tendring District Council |page=15 |url=https://legacy.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Dovercourt%20Masterplan%20-%20Low%20Res%20-%20May%202019_0.pdf |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> | |||
=== Naval history === | |||
Harwich played an important part in the Napoleonic and more especially the two world wars. Of particular note: | Harwich played an important part in the Napoleonic and more especially the two world wars. Of particular note: | ||
[[File:Napoleonic fort or spaceship? (17154789929).jpg|thumb|[[Harwich Redoubt]]]] | [[File:Napoleonic fort or spaceship? (17154789929).jpg|thumb|[[Harwich Redoubt]]]] | ||
==== Napoleonic Wars ==== | |||
During the Napoleonic Wars, Harwich was a Post Office Station for communication with Europe, one of embarkation and evacuation bases for expeditions to Holland in 1799, 1809, and 1813/14; base for capturing enemy privateers. The dockyard built many ships for the Navy, including [[HMS Conqueror (1801)|HMS ''Conqueror'']] which captured the French [[Pierre-Charles Villeneuve|Admiral Villeneuve]] at the [[Battle of Trafalgar]]. The Redoubt and the now-demolished Ordnance Building date from that era. | |||
==== First World War ==== | |||
The [[Harwich Force]], a destroyer flotilla, was established at Harwich under Commodore Tyrwhitt<ref>{{Harvard citation text|Rodger|2024|p=298}}</ref> in the run-up to the [[World War I|First World War]].<ref>{{Harvard citation text|Rodger|2024|p=244}}</ref> From 1916, destroyers from Harwich escorted [[Netherlands|Dutch]] food exports from the [[Hook of Holland]], with "almost total success."<ref>{{Harvard citation text|Rodger|2024|pp=328–329}}</ref> In November 1918, the German [[U-boat]] fleet surrendered to the Royal Navy in the harbour.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dunn |first=Steve R |title=The Harwich Striking Force: The Royal Navy's Front Line in the North Sea 1914-1918 |publisher=Pen & Sword Books |year=2022 |isbn=978-1399015974 |edition=Epub |location=Barnsley |pages=473–492}}</ref> | |||
==== Second World War ==== | |||
During the [[World War II|Second World War]], Harwich was one of main East Coast minesweeping and destroyer bases, at one period base for British and French submarines; assembled fleets for Dutch and [[Dunkirk evacuation]]s and follow-up to [[D-Day]]; unusually, a target for [[Corpo Aereo Italiano|Italian bombers]] during the [[Battle of Britain]]. | |||
===Royal Naval Dockyard=== | ===Royal Naval Dockyard=== | ||
{{main|Harwich Dockyard}} | {{main|Harwich Dockyard}} | ||
Harwich Dockyard was established as a [[Royal Navy Dockyard|Naval Dockyard]] in 1652. It ceased to operate as a Royal Dockyard in 1713 (though a Royal Navy presence was maintained until 1829). During the various wars with France and Holland, through to 1815, the dockyard was responsible for both building and repairing numerous warships. [[HMS Conqueror (1801)|HMS ''Conqueror'']], a 74-gun ship completed in 1801, captured the French admiral Villeneuve at Trafalgar. The yard was then a semi-private concern, with the actual shipbuilding contracted to Joseph Graham, who was sometimes mayor of the town.<ref>{{cite book|last=Foynes|first=Julian|title=East Anglia Against the Tricolor|publisher= Poppyland Press|date=2016}}</ref> During [[World War II]] parts of Harwich were again requisitioned for naval use and ships were based at [[HMS Badger (shore establishment)|HMS ''Badger'']]; ''Badger'' was decommissioned in 1946, but the [[Royal Naval Auxiliary Service]] maintained a headquarters on the site until 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.harwichanddovercourt.co.uk/the-war-years/|title=The War Years | Harwich & Dovercourt | History, Facts & Photos of Harwich}}</ref> | Harwich Dockyard was established as a [[Royal Navy Dockyard|Naval Dockyard]] in 1652. It ceased to operate as a Royal Dockyard in 1713 (though a Royal Navy presence was maintained until 1829). During the various wars with France and Holland, through to 1815, the dockyard was responsible for both building and repairing numerous warships. [[HMS Conqueror (1801)|HMS ''Conqueror'']], a 74-gun ship completed in 1801, captured the French admiral Villeneuve at Trafalgar. The yard was then a semi-private concern, with the actual shipbuilding contracted to Joseph Graham, who was sometimes mayor of the town.<ref>{{cite book |last=Foynes |first=Julian |title=East Anglia Against the Tricolor |publisher=Poppyland Press |date=2016 }}</ref> During [[World War II]] parts of Harwich were again requisitioned for naval use and ships were based at [[HMS Badger (shore establishment)|HMS ''Badger'']]; ''Badger'' was decommissioned in 1946, but the [[Royal Naval Auxiliary Service]] maintained a headquarters on the site until 1992.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.harwichanddovercourt.co.uk/the-war-years/ |title=The War Years | Harwich & Dovercourt | History, Facts & Photos of Harwich }}</ref> | ||
===Lighthouses=== | ===Lighthouses=== | ||
{{main|Harwich High and Low Lighthouses}} | {{main|Harwich High and Low Lighthouses}} | ||
[[File:Constable - Harwich Lighthouse, exhibited 1820, N01276.jpg|thumb|''[[Harwich Lighthouse (painting)|Harwich Lighthouse]]'' by [[John Constable]], 1820]] | [[File:Constable - Harwich Lighthouse, exhibited 1820, N01276.jpg|thumb|''[[Harwich Lighthouse (painting)|Harwich Lighthouse]]'' by [[John Constable]], 1820]] | ||
In 1665, not long after the establishment of the Dockyard, a pair of lighthouses were set up on the Town Green to serve as [[leading lights]] for ships entering the harbour. Completely rebuilt in 1818, both towers are still standing (though they ceased functioning as lighthouses in 1863, when they were replaced by a new pair of lights at [[Dovercourt]]). | In 1665, not long after the establishment of the Dockyard, a pair of lighthouses were set up on the Town Green to serve as [[leading lights]] for ships entering the harbour. Completely rebuilt in 1818, both towers are still standing (though they ceased functioning as lighthouses in 1863, when they were replaced by the [[Dovercourt Lighthouses]], a new pair of lights at [[Dovercourt]]). | ||
==Transport== | ==Transport== | ||
[[File:HarwichDocks.jpg|thumbnail|left|Harwich 'Navyard' and Harwich seen from the river]] | [[File:HarwichDocks.jpg|thumbnail|left|Harwich 'Navyard' and Harwich seen from the river]] | ||
The Royal Navy no longer has a presence in Harwich but [[Harwich International Port]] at nearby [[Parkeston, Essex|Parkeston]] continues to offer regular | The Royal Navy no longer has a presence in Harwich but [[Harwich International Port]] at nearby [[Parkeston, Essex|Parkeston]] continues to offer regular ferry services to the [[Hook of Holland]] (Hoek van Holland) in the [[Netherlands]]. | ||
Many operations of the [[Port of Felixstowe]] and of [[Trinity House]], the lighthouse authority, are managed from Harwich. | Many operations of the [[Port of Felixstowe]] and of [[Trinity House]], the lighthouse authority, are managed from Harwich. | ||
The [[Mayflower line|Mayflower railway line]] serves Harwich and there are three operational passenger stations: {{rws|Harwich International}}, {{rws|Dovercourt}} and {{rws|Harwich Town}}. The line also allows freight trains to access the Port. | The [[Mayflower line|Mayflower railway line]] serves Harwich and there are three operational passenger stations: {{rws|Harwich International}}, {{rws|Dovercourt}} and {{rws|Harwich Town}}. The line also allows freight trains to access the Port. | ||
The port is famous for the phrase "Harwich for the Continent", seen on road signs and in [[London and North Eastern Railway]] (LNER) advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ssplprints.com/image/80928/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1940|title='Harwich for the Continent', LNER poster, 1940., Mason, Frank Henry|website=SSPL Prints|access-date=4 April 2021|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614033627/https://www.ssplprints.com/image/80928/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1940|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ssplprints.com/image/80868/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1934|title='Harwich for the Continent ', LNER poster, 1934., Mason, Frank Henry|website=SSPL Prints|access-date=4 April 2021|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508193046/https://www.ssplprints.com/image/80868/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1934|url-status=dead}}</ref> | The port is famous for the phrase "Harwich for the Continent", seen on road signs and in [[London and North Eastern Railway]] (LNER) advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ssplprints.com/image/80928/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1940 |title='Harwich for the Continent', LNER poster, 1940., Mason, Frank Henry |website=SSPL Prints |access-date=4 April 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614033627/https://www.ssplprints.com/image/80928/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1940 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ssplprints.com/image/80868/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1934 |title='Harwich for the Continent ', LNER poster, 1934., Mason, Frank Henry |website=SSPL Prints |access-date=4 April 2021 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508193046/https://www.ssplprints.com/image/80868/mason-frank-henry-harwich-for-the-continent-lner-poster-1934 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
From 1924 to 1987 (with a break during the Second World War), a [[train ferry]] service operated between Harwich and [[Zeebrugge]]. The train ferry [[linkspan]] still exists today and the rails leading from the former goods yard of Harwich Town railway station are still in position across the road, although the line is blocked by the Trinity House buoy store. | From 1924 to 1987 (with a break during the Second World War), a [[train ferry]] service operated between Harwich and [[Zeebrugge]]. The train ferry [[linkspan]] still exists today and the rails leading from the former goods yard of Harwich Town railway station are still in position across the road, although the line is blocked by the Trinity House buoy store. | ||
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== Architecture == | == Architecture == | ||
[[File:The Halfpenny Pier at Harwich - geograph.org.uk - 40531.jpg|thumbnail|The Halfpenny Pier]] | [[File:The Halfpenny Pier at Harwich - geograph.org.uk - 40531.jpg|thumbnail|The Halfpenny Pier]] | ||
Despite, or perhaps because of, its small size Harwich is highly regarded in terms of architectural heritage, and the whole of the older part of the town, excluding Navyard Wharf, is a [[conservation area]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/old/info_navyard.htm|title=Harwich Society, 2008.|access-date=12 November 2006|archive-date=7 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070907062719/http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/old/info_navyard.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> | Despite, or perhaps because of, its small size Harwich is highly regarded in terms of architectural heritage, and the whole of the older part of the town, excluding Navyard Wharf, is a [[conservation area]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/old/info_navyard.htm |title=Harwich Society, 2008. |access-date=12 November 2006 |archive-date=7 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070907062719/http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/old/info_navyard.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
The regular street plan with principal thoroughfares connected by numerous small alleys indicates the town's [[medieval]] origins, although many buildings of this period are hidden behind 18th century facades. | The regular street plan with principal thoroughfares connected by numerous small alleys indicates the town's [[medieval]] origins, although many buildings of this period are hidden behind 18th century facades. | ||
[[File:King's Head Street, Harwich, quay end.jpg|upright|thumb|left|King's Head Street]] | [[File:King's Head Street, Harwich, quay end.jpg|upright|thumb|left|King's Head Street]] | ||
The extant medieval structures are largely private homes. The house featured in the image of Kings Head St to the left is unique in the town and is an example of a sailmaker's house, thought to have been built circa 1600. Notable public buildings include the [[parish church]] of St. Nicholas <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ukattraction.com/east-of-england/st-nicholas-church.htm |title=UK Attraction: St. Nicholas Church. |access-date=29 July 2010 |archive-date=19 May 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050519001414/http://www.ukattraction.com/east-of-england/st-nicholas-church.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> of 1820–1822 (architect: M G Thompson of Dedham<ref>Bettley, J. and Pevsner, N., ''The Buildings of England: Essex'', Yale UP (2007, rev ed. 2010) p.472</ref>), in a restrained [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style, with many original furnishings, including a somewhat altered [[pipe organ|organ]] in the west end gallery. There is also the [[Harwich Guildhall]] of 1769, the only Grade I [[listed building]] in Harwich.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.harwich-society.co.uk/the-guildhall/ |title=The Guildhall |publisher=Harwich Society |access-date=30 May 2021 }}</ref> | |||
The extant medieval structures are largely private homes. The house featured in the image of Kings Head St to the left is unique in the town and is an example of a sailmaker's house, thought to have been built circa 1600. Notable public buildings include the [[parish church]] of St. Nicholas <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ukattraction.com/east-of-england/st-nicholas-church.htm |title=UK Attraction: St. Nicholas Church. |access-date=29 July 2010 |archive-date=19 May 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050519001414/http://www.ukattraction.com/east-of-england/st-nicholas-church.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> of 1820–1822 (architect: M G Thompson of Dedham<ref>Bettley, J. and Pevsner, N., ''The Buildings of England: Essex'', Yale UP (2007, rev ed. 2010) p.472</ref>), in a restrained [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style, with many original furnishings, including a somewhat altered [[pipe organ|organ]] in the west end gallery. There is also the [[Harwich Guildhall]] of 1769, the only Grade I [[listed building]] in Harwich.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.harwich-society.co.uk/the-guildhall/|title=The Guildhall|publisher=Harwich Society|access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref> | |||
[[File:Pier Hotel, Harwich, Essex - geograph.org.uk - 118960.jpg|upright|thumb|Pier Hotel]] | [[File:Pier Hotel, Harwich, Essex - geograph.org.uk - 118960.jpg|upright|thumb|Pier Hotel]] | ||
The Pier Hotel of 1860 and the building that was the Great Eastern Hotel of 1864 can both been seen on the quayside, both reflecting the town's new importance to travellers following the arrival of the [[Great Eastern Main Line]] from [[Colchester railway station|Colchester]] in 1854. In 1923, The Great Eastern Hotel was closed<ref>{{cite book |last=Hughes |first=Geoffrey |year=1986 |title=LNER |location=Shepperton |publisher=Ian Allan Ltd |page=[https://archive.org/details/lner0000hugh/page/157 157] |isbn=0-7110-1428-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/lner0000hugh/page/157}}</ref> by the newly formed LNER, as the [[Great Eastern Railway]] had opened a new hotel with the same name at the new passenger port at Parkeston Quay, causing a decline in numbers. The hotel became the Harwich Town Hall, which included the Magistrates Court and, following changes in local government, was sold and divided into apartments. | The Pier Hotel of 1860 and the building that was the Great Eastern Hotel of 1864 can both been seen on the quayside, both reflecting the town's new importance to travellers following the arrival of the [[Great Eastern Main Line]] from [[Colchester railway station|Colchester]] in 1854. In 1923, The Great Eastern Hotel was closed<ref>{{cite book |last=Hughes |first=Geoffrey |year=1986 |title=LNER |location=Shepperton |publisher=Ian Allan Ltd |page=[https://archive.org/details/lner0000hugh/page/157 157] |isbn=0-7110-1428-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/lner0000hugh/page/157 }}</ref> by the newly formed LNER, as the [[Great Eastern Railway]] had opened a new hotel with the same name at the new passenger port at Parkeston Quay, causing a decline in numbers. The hotel became the Harwich Town Hall, which included the Magistrates Court and, following changes in local government, was sold and divided into apartments. | ||
[[File:Trinity House, Harwich.jpg|upright|thumb|The Trinity House offices]] | [[File:Trinity House, Harwich.jpg|upright|thumb|The Trinity House offices]] | ||
Also of interest are the High Lighthouse (1818), the unusual Treadwheel Crane (late 17th century), the Old Custom Houses on West Street, a number of [[Victorian era|Victorian]] shopfronts and the [[Electric Palace Cinema]] (1911), one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas to survive complete with its ornamental frontage and original projection room still intact and operational. | Also of interest are the High Lighthouse (1818), the unusual Treadwheel Crane (late 17th century), the Old Custom Houses on West Street, a number of [[Victorian era|Victorian]] shopfronts and the [[Electric Palace Cinema]] (1911), one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas to survive complete with its ornamental frontage and original projection room still intact and operational. | ||
There is little notable building from the later parts of the 20th century, but major recent additions include the [[lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]] station and two new structures for [[Trinity House]]. The Trinity House office building, next door to the Old Custom Houses, was completed in 2005. All three additions are influenced by the [[High-tech architecture|high-tech]] style. | There is little notable building from the later parts of the 20th century, but major recent additions include the [[lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]] station and two new structures for [[Trinity House]]. The Trinity House office building, next door to the Old Custom Houses, was completed in 2005. All three additions are influenced by the [[High-tech architecture|high-tech]] style. | ||
==Governance== | |||
[[File:Harwich Guildhall.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Harwich Guildhall]]]] | |||
There are three tiers of local government covering Harwich, at [[Parish council (England)|parish]] (town), [[non-metropolitan district|district]] and [[non-metropolitan county|county]] level: Harwich Town Council, [[Tendring District Council]], and [[Essex County Council]]. The town council is based at [[Harwich Guildhall]] at 11 Church Street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Council Meetings, Agendas and Minutes |url=https://www.harwichtowncouncil.gov.uk/committees/ |website=Harwich Town Council |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> | |||
===Administrative history=== | |||
The town was granted its first borough charter in 1318. It was administered by a [[portreeve]] until 1604 when a new charter formally [[municipal corporation|incorporated]] the borough and established a council led by a [[Mayors in England|mayor]]. From 1604 the borough also served as a constituency for parliamentary elections, as the [[Harwich (UK Parliament constituency)|Harwich parliamentary borough]].<ref name=commissioners/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thrush |first1=Andrew |title=Harwich Borough |url=https://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1604-1629/constituencies/harwich |website=The History of Parliament |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> | |||
The borough was reformed to become a [[municipal borough]] in 1836 under the [[Municipal Corporations Act 1835]], which standardised how most boroughs operated across the country.<ref>{{cite book |title=Municipal Corporations Act |date=1835 |page=456 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ta8uAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA456 |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> From at least the 1604 charter, the borough had covered the two parishes of Harwich St Nicholas and Dovercourt. In 1925 the two parishes were merged into a single parish of Harwich matching the borough.<ref>{{cite web |title=Harwich Municipal Borough |url=https://visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10108123 |website=A Vision of Britain through Time |publisher=GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth |access-date=21 October 2025 }}</ref> | |||
The borough of Harwich was abolished in 1974 under the [[Local Government Act 1972]], when the area became part of the new Tendring district.<ref>{{cite legislation UK |type=si |si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972 |year=1972 |number=2039 |access-date=3 March 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite legislation UK |type=si |si=The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Names) Order 1973 |year=1973 |number=551 |access-date=3 March 2023 }}</ref> A [[successor parish]] called Harwich was created as part of the 1974 reforms, covering the area of the abolished borough, with its parish council taking the name Harwich Town Council.<ref>{{cite legislation UK |type=si |si=The Local Government (Successor Parishes) Order 1973 |year=1973 |number=1110 |access-date=31 August 2025 }}</ref> | |||
==International Shanty Festival == | ==International Shanty Festival == | ||
A Harwich International Shanty Festival was set up in 2006 to organise and co-ordinate an annual sea shanty festival in October. Through concerts, 'singarounds', pub sessions, talks and workshops, the seafaring history and heritage of Harwich is celebrated by local people and international groups. This unique event for Essex attracts audiences countrywide and beyond.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://harwichshantyfestival.co.uk/about-us/|website= harwichshantyfestival.co.uk| | A Harwich International Shanty Festival was set up in 2006 to organise and co-ordinate an annual sea shanty festival in October. Through concerts, 'singarounds', pub sessions, talks and workshops, the seafaring history and heritage of Harwich is celebrated by local people and international groups. This unique event for Essex attracts audiences countrywide and beyond.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://harwichshantyfestival.co.uk/about-us/ |website=harwichshantyfestival.co.uk |access-date=8 October 2022 |title=About us }}</ref> The festival is one of the biggest shanty festivals in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/harwich-shanty-festival-preview-7044390 |website=greatbritishlife.co.uk |title=Harwich Shanty Festival |date=17 September 2019 |access-date=8 October 2022 }}</ref> | ||
==Notable residents== | ==Notable residents== | ||
Harwich has also historically hosted a number of notable inhabitants, linked with Harwich's maritime past.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vision of Britain|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/descriptions/entry_page.jsp?text_id=771040|publisher=visionofbritain.org|access-date=27 March 2012}}</ref> | Harwich has also historically hosted a number of notable inhabitants, linked with Harwich's maritime past.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vision of Britain |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/descriptions/entry_page.jsp?text_id=771040 |publisher=visionofbritain.org |access-date=27 March 2012 }}</ref> | ||
* [[Christopher Newport]] (1561–1617), seaman and privateer,<ref>[http://www.captainchristophernewport.com/ Captain Christopher Newport website, Biography] retrieved January 2018</ref> captain of the expedition that founded [[Jamestown Virginia|Jamestown, Virginia]] | * [[Christopher Newport]] (1561–1617), seaman and privateer,<ref>[http://www.captainchristophernewport.com/ Captain Christopher Newport website, Biography] retrieved January 2018</ref> captain of the expedition that founded [[Jamestown Virginia|Jamestown, Virginia]] | ||
* [[Christopher Jones (sailor)|Christopher Jones]] (c.1570–1622) Captain<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131019105711/http://www.harwich.net/histjones.htm The Harwich Society, archive, Christopher Jones and the Mayflower Expedition 1620–1621] retrieved January 2018</ref> of the 1620 voyage of the Pilgrim ship ''[[Mayflower]]'' | * [[Christopher Jones (sailor)|Christopher Jones]] (c.1570–1622) Captain<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131019105711/http://www.harwich.net/histjones.htm The Harwich Society, archive, Christopher Jones and the Mayflower Expedition 1620–1621] retrieved January 2018</ref> of the 1620 voyage of the Pilgrim ship ''[[Mayflower]]'' | ||
* [[Thomas Cobbold (1708–1767)]], brewer and owner of [[Three Cups, Harwich|Three Cups]] | * [[Thomas Cobbold (1708–1767)]], brewer and owner of [[Three Cups, Harwich|Three Cups]] | ||
* [[William Shearman]] (1767–1861), physician<ref>{{cite DNB |wstitle=Shearman, William |volume=52 |last=Webb |first=William Wilfrid |author-link=William Wilfrid Webb |page=1 |short=1}}</ref> and medical writer | * [[William Shearman]] (1767–1861), physician<ref>{{cite DNB |wstitle=Shearman, William |volume=52 |last=Webb |first=William Wilfrid |author-link=William Wilfrid Webb |page=1 |short=1 }}</ref> and medical writer | ||
* [[James Francillon]] (1802–1866), barrister<ref>{{cite DNB |wstitle=Francillon, James |volume=20 |last=Watt |first=Francis |author-link= |page=164 |short=1}}</ref> and legal writer | * [[James Francillon]] (1802–1866), barrister<ref>{{cite DNB |wstitle=Francillon, James |volume=20 |last=Watt |first=Francis |author-link= |page=164 |short=1 }}</ref> and legal writer | ||
* Captain [[Charles Fryatt]] (1872–1916), mariner<ref>[http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/fryatt_balfour.htm Arthur Balfour's comments on Fryatt's execution, firstworldwar.com] retrieved January 2018</ref> executed by the Germans, brought back from [[Belgium]] and buried at [[Dovercourt]] | * Captain [[Charles Fryatt]] (1872–1916), mariner<ref>[http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/fryatt_balfour.htm Arthur Balfour's comments on Fryatt's execution, firstworldwar.com] retrieved January 2018</ref> executed by the Germans, brought back from [[Belgium]] and buried at [[Dovercourt]] | ||
* [[Peter Firmin]] (1928–2018), artist<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0278696/ IMDb Database] retrieved January 2018</ref> and puppet maker | * [[Peter Firmin]] (1928–2018), artist<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0278696/ IMDb Database] retrieved January 2018</ref> and puppet maker | ||
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==Media== | ==Media== | ||
Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC East]] and [[ITV Anglia]]. Television signals are received from the [[Sudbury transmitting station | Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC East]] and [[ITV Anglia]]. Television signals are received from the [[Sudbury transmitting station]] and the local relay transmitter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Woodbridge |title=Freeview Light on the Woodbridge (Suffolk, England) transmitter |date=1 May 2004 |website=UK Free TV |access-date=4 January 2024 }}</ref> | ||
The town is served by both [[BBC Essex]] and [[BBC Radio Suffolk]]. Other radio stations including [[Heart East]], [[Dream 100|Greatest Hits Radio Essex]], [[Actual Radio]], [[Nation Radio Suffolk]] and ''Radio Mi Amigo'', a community based station which broadcast from The Harwich Quay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lv18radio.uk/ |title=Radio Mi Amigo|access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref> | The town is served by both [[BBC Essex]] and [[BBC Radio Suffolk]]. Other radio stations including [[Heart East]], [[Dream 100|Greatest Hits Radio Essex]], [[Actual Radio]], [[Nation Radio Suffolk]] and ''Radio Mi Amigo'', a community based station which broadcast from The Harwich Quay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lv18radio.uk/ |title=Radio Mi Amigo |access-date=4 January 2024 }}</ref> | ||
The town is served by the local newspaper, ''Harwich and Manningtree Standard'' which publishes on Fridays.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/england-eang/harwich-standard/|title=Harwich and Manningtree Standard|date=3 May 2014|website=British Papers| | The town is served by the local newspaper, ''Harwich and Manningtree Standard'' which publishes on Fridays.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/england-eang/harwich-standard/ |title=Harwich and Manningtree Standard |date=3 May 2014 |website=British Papers |access-date=4 January 2024 }}</ref> | ||
==Arms== | ==Arms== | ||
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|escutcheon = Gules a portcullis chained Or studded and spiked Azure. | |escutcheon = Gules a portcullis chained Or studded and spiked Azure. | ||
|crest = On a wreath of the colours upon waves of the sea Proper an ancient ship with one mast Or at the bow and stern turrets and affixed below the top of the mast a tower Argent the sail furled of the last and flying to the dexter a pennon Gules. | |crest = On a wreath of the colours upon waves of the sea Proper an ancient ship with one mast Or at the bow and stern turrets and affixed below the top of the mast a tower Argent the sail furled of the last and flying to the dexter a pennon Gules. | ||
|motto = Omnia Bona Bonis (To The Good All Things Are Good).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/east_of_england.html |title=East of England Region |publisher=Civic Heraldry of England | | |motto = Omnia Bona Bonis (To The Good All Things Are Good).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/east_of_england.html |title=East of England Region |publisher=Civic Heraldry of England |access-date=10 March 2021 }}</ref> | ||
|notes = Granted to Harwich Borough Council on 15 December 1943.}} | |notes = Granted to Harwich Borough Council on 15 December 1943.}} | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
* {{cite book |last1=Pevsner |first1=Nikolaus |author-link1=Nikolaus Pevsner |last2=Radcliffe |first2=Enid |isbn=0-300-09601-1 |publisher=Yale University Press |title=The Buildings of England: Essex |year=2002 }} | |||
* {{cite book | * {{cite book |author=Smith Stuart Reynolds (consultants) |publisher=Tendring District Council |title=Tendring District Council Conservation Area Review: Harwich Conservation Area |url=http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/6F032F83-3E6A-4D07-BAC5-D3AACF60B27E/1899/Harwich.pdf |year=2006 |display-authors=etal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628130446/http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/6F032F83-3E6A-4D07-BAC5-D3AACF60B27E/1899/Harwich.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2007 }} | ||
|last1=Pevsner |first1=Nikolaus |author-link1=Nikolaus Pevsner | * Rodger, NAM (2024.) ''The Price of Victory: A Naval History of Britain: 1815 – 1945.'' Penguin. [[Special:BookSources/9781846147234|ISBN 978-1846147234]]. | ||
|last2=Radcliffe |first2=Enid | |||
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* {{cite book | |||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
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* {{commons category-inline}} | * {{commons category-inline}} | ||
* {{cite EB9 |wstitle = Harwich |volume= XI |last= |first= |author-link= | page=507 |short=1}} | * {{cite EB9 |wstitle = Harwich |volume= XI |last= |first= |author-link= | page=507 |short=1}} | ||
* [http://www.harwichtowncouncil.co.uk/ Harwich Town Council] | * [http://www.harwichtowncouncil.co.uk/ Harwich Town Council] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014171342/http://www.harwichtowncouncil.co.uk/ |date=14 October 2016 }} | ||
* [http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/ The Harwich Society] | * [http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/ The Harwich Society] | ||
{{Essex}} | {{Essex}} | ||
{{Lighthouses in England}} | {{Lighthouses in England}} | ||
{{ | {{Authority control}} | ||
[[Category:Harwich| ]] | [[Category:Harwich| ]] | ||
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[[Category:Towns in Essex]] | [[Category:Towns in Essex]] | ||
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Essex]] | [[Category:Populated coastal places in Essex]] | ||
[[Category:Civil parishes in Essex]] | |||
[[Category:Tendring]] | [[Category:Tendring]] | ||