From 18th-century origins as the `South End' of Prittlewell parish, the town has grown over 300 years to include six formerly separate parishes-Prittlewell, Southchurch, Leigh, Eastwood, North and South Shoebury. The book provides a chronological history of the town; from the Stone Age to the present Information Age, covering all points in between. The story of its evolution as a seaside resort, commuter town and regional shopping centre is interwoven with every aspect of its interesting history in a well researched narrative.