Canvey Island Heritage Centre
Small community heritage centre and folk museum in the former St Katherine’s church in Canvey Village, run by a local historical society.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Heritage Centre is housed in the old St Katherine’s church in Canvey Village. A chapel for Dutch settlers had been built on Canvey Island before 1631 and was rebuilt as the first English church on the island in 1712. A timber chapel followed in 1845, and the present church was consecrated in 1875, reusing the east windows and porch of the earlier building.
The church became too small for the island and was replaced by a new parish church in 1960. After it closed it was nearly demolished, but a local society saved it. Since 1979 the building has been used as an arts and crafts centre and as a folk museum, run by the Canvey Island Historical and Conservation Society, a registered charity.
The museum displays a wide mix of objects from the island’s past: a horse and cart dredged from the lake, the pulpit from the old church, Dutch clogs, signs from the old seafront casino, lamps, radios, bakelite telephones, cinema projectors, retro toys, wedding dresses, dolls’ houses, school clocks and bells, and photographs. The centre also hosts art and needlework groups and holds special exhibitions and events during the year.
Highlights
- Former St Katherine’s church of 1875
- Pulpit from the old church and Dutch clogs
- Signs from the old seafront casino
- Everyday objects such as radios, bakelite telephones and cinema projectors
- Wedding dresses, dolls’ houses and local photographs
Permanent exhibition
- Folk museum collection – Objects from the island’s past, including church furnishings, seafront signs, household items, toys, clothing and photographs.
- Operated by
- Canvey Island Historical and Conservation Society
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The centre is on Long Road, near the Village and before the King Canute pub.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Needlework and art groups meet at the centre on weekdays; Canvey residents are welcome to join by contacting the centre. |
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