Bradwell-on-Sea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bradwell-on-Sea |
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 St Thomas’ Church, Bradwell-on-Sea |
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 Bradwell-on-Sea
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| Population | 863 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | TM000067 |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SOUTHMINSTER |
| Postcode district | CM0 |
| Dialling code | 01621 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Bradwell-on-Sea is a village in Essex, England. It is located on the Dengie peninsula, a piece of land that reaches into the sea. The village is about 5.6 kilometers north-east of Southminster. It is also about 19 kilometers east of Chelmsford, the main town in Essex. Bradwell-on-Sea is part of the Maldon District. In 2021, about 892 people lived here.
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Discover Bradwell-on-Sea's Past
Bradwell-on-Sea has a very long history. In Roman times, it was a fort called Othona. This fort was part of the "Saxon Shore" defenses. Later, the Anglo-Saxons called the area Ithancester.
The Ancient Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall
In the year 653, a special person named Saint Cedd started a monastery here. He built it inside the old Roman fort walls. This building is still standing today. It is known as the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall. It is one of the oldest churches in all of Britain! Saint Cedd used this place to spread Christianity in Essex.
Modern Times in Bradwell-on-Sea
In the 1900s, Bradwell-on-Sea became known for its Bradwell nuclear power station. This power station stopped working in 2002. It has since been taken apart safely. The village also has a school called St Cedd’s Church of England Primary School. There is also a sailing club for people who love boats.
Over time, the village has had a few different names. Some old names include Bradwell juxta Mare and Bradwell-next-the-Sea. These names all mean "Bradwell near the Sea."
Bradwell-on-Sea During World War Two
During the Second World War, Bradwell-on-Sea played an important role. An airfield was built north-east of Bradwell Waterside. It was called RAF Bradwell Bay. This airfield was a front-line station, meaning it was very important for defending Britain.
How RAF Bradwell Bay Helped the War Effort
Before the war, there was a small grass airfield here. Pilots used it to practice shooting and bombing. In 1941, the airfield became much bigger. Three concrete runways were built. Because it was close to the coast, many planes in trouble landed there. The airfield had a special system called FIDO. FIDO helped pilots land safely when it was foggy.
Many night-fighter planes were based at RAF Bradwell Bay. These planes included the Douglas Havoc and the de Havilland Mosquito. The Mosquito was a very versatile plane used for many different tasks. The airfield also served as a starting point for fighter planes. These fighters would escort bombers on long missions over Germany. Planes like the Supermarine Spitfire and North American Mustang were seen here.
Remembering Those Who Served
Today, there is a special memorial near the airfield. It looks like a crashed de Havilland Mosquito plane. This memorial helps us remember all the brave people who lost their lives. They served and defended Britain during the war while based at RAF Bradwell Bay.
