Westcliff-on-Sea
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Coordinates: 51°32′09″N 0°41′49″E / 51.5359°N 0.6970°E
| Westcliff-on-Sea | |
 Westcliff-on-Sea
Westcliff-on-Sea shown within Essex |
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| OS grid reference | TQ865855 |
|---|---|
| Unitary authority | Southend-on-Sea |
| Ceremonial county | Essex |
| Region | East |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA |
| Postcode district | SS0 |
| Dialling code | 01702 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament | Southend West |
| List of places: UK • England • Essex | |
Westcliff-on-Sea is a suburb of Southend-on-Sea, a seaside resort in the East of England and unitary authority in Essex. It is situated on the northern bank of the Thames Estuary and about 34 miles (55 km) east of London.
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[edit] Geography
The cliffs formed by erosion of the local Quaternary geology afford views over the Thames Estuary towards the Kent coastline to the south. The coastline has been transformed into sandy beaches through the use of groynes and imported sand. The estuary at this point is marked by extensive mud flats. At low tide, the water typically retreats to some 600m from the beach, leaving the mud flats exposed.
[edit] Transport
The London, Tilbury and Southend Railway line arrived in the 1880s, connecting the town with London and shortening travel time to and from that city. Westcliff railway station in Station Road is now managed by c2c.
[edit] Architecture
An area of Westcliff bordering Southend town centre has been classified as a conservation area, including Prittlewell Square gardens.
[edit] Economy
The main shopping area in Westcliff-on-Sea is Hamlet Court Road, where the department store Havens, established in 1901 remains the anchor store. The economic recessions of the 1980s and 1990s saw the area decline. However the road underwent a £1 million regeneration in the early 2000s.
[edit] Leisure
The two main theatres in Westcliff are the Cliffs Pavilion, which overlooks the seafront, and the Palace Theatre.
Westcliff-on-Sea is also home to the Thames Estuary Yacht Club and the Westcliff Casino, which is the largest provincial casino and the second largest casino in Great Britain.
[edit] Notable people
- Trevor Bailey (England cricket team test cricketer; attended Alleyn Court School)
- Emma Chambers (actress; attended St Bernard's school)
- Dick Clement (writer; born in the town)
- Buddy Greco (singer, pianist)
- Edward Greenfield (music writer and broadcaster; born in the town)
- Benjamin Grosvenor (pianist; attended Westcliff High School for Boys)
- John Horsley (actor; born in the town)
- John Hutton (Labour MP) (former Defence Secretary; born in the town)
- Russell Kane (comedian, actor, presenter, writer; lives in the town)
- Rupert Keegan (racing driver; born in the town)
- Fiona Lewis (actress; born in the town)
- Helen Mirren (actress; attended St Bernard's school in the town)
- Scroobius Pip (spoken word artist attended St Thomas More High School for Boys)
- Edward Power Biggs (classical organist; born in the town)
- Maisie Smith (actress, Tiffany Dean in EastEnders, attended Chalkwell Hall school and lived in the town)
- Samantha Smith (tennis) (tennis player, lives in the town)
