ERO Presents: Essex and the French Wars c.1795-1815

Closer to home, Essex formed the north-eastern defence to London from a possible French invasion. The beaches of the Tendring Hundred (Clacton, Walton and Frinton) were gently shelving and ideal for landing an invading army.

As such, Essex was a strategic location to defend London and was suitably fortified and prepared to repel a French army advancing on the capital. Essex men also served further afield in Nelson’s navy and Wellington’s army.

Join the ERO for this day conference, held in conjunction with the Waterloo Association (www.waterlooassociation.org.uk), to hear a number of talks on, such as, various aspects of the civil defence of the county, to find out about the recruitment of boy soldiers and the part that men from Essex played in the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo.

Also, how Essex parish registers can help to chart the progress of soldiers and their followers across the county.