Osea Island - a jewel in the Blackwater Estuary
When I was invited to Osea Island I did not know what to expect. Having been many times to Mersea Island I imagined Osea to be similar. Was I wrong! Osea Island is unique and can't be compared with any place I have been. From the moment you drive over the sea defence and see the Causeway, built by the Romans, snaking its way through the Estuary, you feel transported to another world. In the beginning it was eerie and surreal. Driving towards the island, through the mud flats full of heaps of seaweed either side of the road, I felt like an explorer travelling towards the unknown. The echo of fighting Vikings warriors against the Anglo-Saxons during the Battle of Maldon in 991AD following me all the way.
The island's history stretches back many centuries. It has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years. There is evidence of Neolithic villages and the Romans built the causeway, a salt works and a pottery. As with Mersea Island, Osea is full of oysters, which the Romans so loved; maybe that's what attracted them to settle here too. After the Conquest the island became the property of William the Conqueror's nephew, and later passed to the Earls of Essex, Sussex, Gloucester and March.
Around 1900 the island was bought by the brewer Frederick Charrington, who had disinherited himself from his family's brewing business to become a prominent temperance campaigner in the East End of London. During his time the island he provided free treatment to those who suffered from the ill effects of alcohol. In return the ‘clients' would remain on the island and work the land.
More recently Osea Island was the site of a Coastal Motor Torpedo Boat base during World War I and more than 2000 sailors were billeted there, mainly in temporary huts which were removed after the war.
The island of today is the best kept secret location if you want to escape from it all. As you travel towards the centre of the island, you come to the village, which is dotted with a variety of cottages and 17th century farm buildings, giving you ample choice of accommodation for your stay. From the luxury offered by the large Edwardian Manor House, overlooking the estuary, to cosy cottages further inland located around the charming village centre.
Osea Island is secluded but don't make the mistake of thinking you are all alone. While the milkman doesn't include the island in his round, the postman does, albeit only according to the tide (that's what's written on the letter box!!!). Rabbits abound, as do butterflies and birds, including every type of British owl. Several thousand dark-bellied Brent geese make a pit-stop here each year. Osea is a heaven for wildlife.
For the more active there is a tennis court, a saltwater swimming pool and you can even borrow a bike to cycle around the island. The estuary is also ideal for sailing or fishing. I was told that sea bass especially abound. Just think; you can catch your fish, cook it and eat it and feel like a modern day Robinson Crusoe.
From the moment you step onto Osea you can feel the emotions swelling inside and the feeling of an impending love affair with an island so near yet so far away.
For more information and how to book your escapades go to www.oseaisland.co.uk
