Pictures of St Osyth

About St Osyth

Pretty Essex village situated by one of the little creeks that run into the River Colne.

Historically, St. Osyth was the daughter of the first Christian king of East Anglia, she established a nunnery before she met her death as a martyr in A.D.653.

The village is noted for its medieval Priory, a Grade I listed building which started life as a foundation for Augustinian Canons around 1127, it later became an abbey which was eventually dissolved in 1539, when it later passed into the hands of Lord Darcy to changed the building into a house.

The priory stands in superb grounds, it is a magnificent building with an impressive gatehouse, terrace, clock tower and beautiful oriel window, all dating from around the 16th century.

St.Osyth's parish church dedicated to St.Peter and St.Paul is also of merit, the exterior is Perpendicular, mainly of the 14th century, with a west tower. The interior is memorable for its brick built piers and arches. The Darcy family who lived for so many years at the Priory are commemorated by two large wall monuments.

Along the creek visitors can enjoy fine riverscapes, whilst watching the antics of wildlife, and enjoy seeing an array of colourful boats lying at anchor at the waters edge. At Point Clear, a short walk from the village, visitors can see the ancient Martello Tower which is now transformed to provide an interesting War Museum.

There are pleasant shops in the region and plenty of places to stay. The larger resort of Clacton-on-Sea is around five miles away, whilst inland the large town of Colchester offers every possible facility for visitors, including a museum where the history of Essex is recorded.