Limebrook u3a's Mike Stringer has coordinated the History Group for eight years and reports that they have recently visited two historic but very different sites.

Firstly, Prittlewell Priory on the outskirts of Southend. The Priory itself was founded by the Cluniac Order in the early 12th century as a cell to the Priory of St Pancras at Lewes, Sussex. 

In 1536 much of the building was destroyed and what remained was much altered during the 18th Century. After the Dissolution, the Priory was a private residence and it was granted to Lord Chancellor Audley, who conveyed it to Robert, son of Lord Rich. Afterwards it passed with the manor to various families.

The last family to live there, the Scrattons, are explored in an exhibition inside the house. The guide Verna Ring was very knowledgeable and told members that in 1917 the building was purchased by Robert Jones, and in May 1922 it opened as Southend's first museum.

The group at New Hall School.

The group's most recent visit was to the New Hall School where guide Tony Tuckwell provided an informative and entertaining tour of this well-regarded school.

Few would know that it was once a royal palace, owned by none other than Henry VIII. 

New Hall school has occupied the magnificent Tudor Palace of Beaulieu since 1799. The estate was acquired by King Henry VIII in 1517, at which time the building was greatly enlarged and enhanced. After Henry, New Hall became home to Mary Tudor, before being granted to the Earl of Sussex by Elizabeth I. Oliver Cromwell later procured the estate, for five shillings! It is believed the palace was intended as a safe environment for Anne Boleyn to bear Henry a royal child

Both visits gave a fascinating insight into historic buildings in Essex, very different in nature and purpose. Our two guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining and the group learnt a huge amount about the buildings, and their occupants.

Graham Churchill arranged a guided tour of the Museum of Power for the Photographers.

They were treated to an introductory talk about the history of the building and pumping station. This was followed by a guided tour of the museum and the running of the large Marshall engine.

The pump is magnificent and during the talk on the history of the site he told us how the water requirements of Southend were met 100 years ago by the pumps and the purpose-built building. Part of the tour was to see the miniature railway and take photographs of the machines and exhibits at this recently refurbished museum funded in part by a National Lottery Grant.

Phil Page's image.

The monthly photography competition on the theme of "framed" was won by Phil Page with his photograph of a bridge.

Graham Chapman's 'Before and After'.

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