History of Road Names

 

Stories behind some of Brightlingsea’s street names.

BAYARD AVENUE

McEvers Bayard Brown

1852-1926

An eccentric American millionaire who first came to Brightlingsea to start yachting. From 1889 he lived aboard the steam yacht Valfreyia moored just a few hundred yards off the Hard.

Over the following thirty four years Bayard Brown gave away large sums of money, much to the scores of local people who went out in small boats appealing for help.

Brightlingsea also benefited from Mr Brown’s generosity. Gifts to the town included:

• The Recreation Ground

• Improvements to the Hard and the provision of the Hard Shelter.

• Improvements to St James’ Church of England School.

Mr Brown died in 1926 on board Valfeyia, then in dry dock in Wivenhoe. He was interred in his birth place, Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

TABOR CLOSE

 

The Tabor family are synonymous with the Brightlingsea Oyster trade. The family played a major role in the trade for over 300 years without a break.

John Tabor (1713-1799) was Deputy from 1797 to 1799 and lived at onetime in New House, now the Brewers Arms.

MARENNES CRESCENT

 

Named to commemorate the twinning of Brightlingsea with Marennes, the chief oyster centre of France.

From 1958 to 1974 many friendships were made as a result of visits between the two towns.

More information can be found at the museum.