Southend-on-Sea Facts & Figures

On this page, you’ll find some information on Southend’s history, and on what Southend has to offer today. We’ll also show you what else is available on our site.

 

Southend History

Southend-on-Sea takes its name from it’s location at the “South End” of Prittlewell in the 18th Century. Prittlewell was the original local settlement, featuring the Domesday Book.

The town’s popularity grew in the 19th Century as a popular seaside location for tourists and those looking to get away from London for the day.

In the 21st Century, Southend-on-Sea is a major town in the UK, with a population of over 160,000.

If you’re looking for more on the history of Southend, we’d recommend the book A History of Southend, by local historian Ian Yearsley.

 

Southend Today

Southend is most famous for
its pleasure pier and beach, and the town has a range of attractions on offer, including the
annual illuminations, Carnival (August), Southend Air Show (May), boat trips, Adventure Island, the Golden Mile of arcades and
the Kursaal bowling alley.

The town also has a strong lineup of shops on the High Street, plus an assortment of restaurants, bars, cafes and night clubs.

 

Southend
Statistics

Population:	160,256 (2001 census) 162,000 (Southend Council 2007 figures) Ratio: 47% male, 53% female
STD Area Code:	01702
Post Code:	SS
Location:	42 miles east of London
Grid Ref:	TQ:8780 8650

• National
  Statistics – Detailed info on your neighbourhood
• UpMyStreet – Check out your area

 

Shopping in Southend

Southend-on-Sea has a central High Street, with two covered shopping areas, The Royals and the Victoria Shopping Centre.

See our section on Shopping in Southend for more on the High Street

 

Visiting Southend

Looking for ideas on what Southend has to offer? See our Visiting Southend or What’s In Southend sections.

 

Books on Southend and Essex

Looking for some information on the history of Southend, or the surrounding areas of Leigh-on-Sea, Rochford, Hadleigh, Prittlewell and Rayleigh? See our page of Southend-on-Sea Books.

 

Southend Newspapers

The local newspapers for the area are: Echo, Observer, Standard, Yellow
Advertiser , and here are some contact details:

Echo (Daily on Weekdays)
Web: www.echo-news.co.uk/
Tel: 0844 4774 512 (local rate)
Published by: Newsquest Media

Southend Standard (Weekly. Distributed free, and sold for 30p)
Distribution: 62,266 delivered weekly (VFD figures Jan-Jun 06)
Web: www.southendstandard.co.uk
News: 01702-321151
Deliveries: 01268-522792
Published by: Newsquest Media

Yellow Advertiser (Weekly. Distributed free in Southend, Leigh & Shoebury area)
Distribution: 63,032 a week (VFD figures Jan-Jun 06)
Web: www.yellowad.co.uk
Switchboard:01268-503400
Editorial: 01268-503460
Distribution: 01268-503380
Owned by: Trinity Mirror

Leigh Times (Fortnightly, distributed free)
Web: www.leightimes.co.uk
Tel: 01702-477666 or 01702-474455

The Essex Enquirer
01277 627300
Web: www.theenquirer.co.uk
Tel: 01277 627300

Essex Chronicle
Web: www.essexchronicle.co.uk

 

 

Got a question on Southend? See our Questions page, or ask in our Southend
forum.