Special Sub-Topic: Southend-on-Sea Click Here To Play: Southend-on-Sea

Southend Pier is the world's longest pleasure pier.

True. The pier was partly rebuilt following a fire in 2005. The original wooden pier was completed in June 1830.

What year was the Kursaal completed?

1901. 'Kursaal' is German for the main public pump room in a spa. (The word is usually left untranslated in English and prnounced as if it was spelled 'kurzle'). Southend has never been a spa, and its 'Kursaal' was originally a fair ground or amusement park. It has been used for a wider range of activities since 1973.

What happened to Southend in May 1915?

It suffered one of the first air raids of the First World War. Bombs were dropped by hand from giant Zeppelins LZ38 airships.

In what year was Southend-on-Sea awarded County Borough status?

1914. The effect of this was to make Southend independent of Essex for most purposes. The new coat of Arms was based on the history of Southend showing a sailor and a monk.

What happened to the Waterchute basin in the Kursaal during World War 2?

It was used to hold reserve water for the fire brigade. The Kursaal was closed in July 1940 for the rest of the war and it would seem the ballroom was used as a storeroom for the NAAFI.

In what year did the British Army descend on Shoeburyness?

1845. They built permanent barracks in 1850. Napoleon III the Prince Imperial was stationed at Shoeburyness barracks for a time.

In what year was Southend United Football club established?

1906. Southend United, known as the The Shrimpers, The Seasiders and The Blues based at Roots Hall Stadium, but due to their rising popularity planning permission has been sought for a 22,000 seater stadium to be built on their training ground at Fossett's Farm.

By what name was Leigh-on-Sea formerly known as?

Legra. It is mentioned in the Domesday book in 1086 as "Legra" as small fishing hamlet, worth 100 Shillings.

What was Southend's Theme Park Adventure Island's original name?

Peter Pan's Playground. Adventure Island started out a small park built in the 1920s on reclaimed land. Gradually children's rides were added and the park was named Peter Pan's Playground.

How many beaches are there in Southend?

6. They run from Shoeburyness to Leigh on Sea, starting with East Beach, Shoebury Common Beach, Jubilee Beach, Three Shells' Beach, Chalkwell Beach and Bell wharf Beach