Some history on Purfleet in the county of Essex

Essex | Purfleet

© Crown Copyright. Reproduced with kind permission of the National Library of Scotland under the Creative Commons Attribution licence.

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This view shows British soldiers crossing the footbridge at Purfleet Rifle Range Halt on their way to shooting practice. This was a separate station to that of Purfleet which opened in 1854. The Rifle Range Halt was opened in 1911, some five years after the ranges were created. The halt was located on the west side of the level crossing on Tank Hill Road.

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Young women can be seen here hoisting a reel to a machine at the Thames Paper Mill. They were a small group of 74 women who worked in the mill during World War One.

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The trophies on display show that Purfleet Terminal Football Team were a force to be reckoned with in the 1930s. The team were the Essex Junior Cup Winners in 1935-36. Some of the players standing in the back row include Todd Collins, Chris Waterman and Bill Parker. The seated players on the front row include Ted Bailey, George Waterman and Jim Ryan. I think the team may also have been known as Anglo Purfleet - perhaps somebody out there knows all about Essex footy?

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"At the Grays Petty Sessions, on Friday, James Sheldon, West Thurrock, was summoned for assaulting Isaac Edward Field. Mr. R. L. Williams appeared for complainant; and Mr. G. Clinch for defendant. Complainant said that on November 4th he was going home in a boat lent to the people at Purfleet by Capt. Morrell on account of the flood. Defendant came up, tried to upset the boat, and wanted to fight. Complainant refused, and defendant then struck him with a pole across the arm. He had to be medically attended in consequence, and carry his arm in splints and bandages. A number of witnesses gave evidence. The Bench characterised the assault as a gross one, and imposed the maximum penalty of £5, including costs. A week was allowed for payment."
"Gross Assault At Purfleet"
Barking, East Ham & Ilford Advertiser : January 29th 1898 Page 1

"Thomas Brooks, 25, steward, pleaded not guilty at the Adjourned Quarter Session at Chelmsford on Wednesday, to indecently assaulting Frances May Dorner, aged 10 years, at Purfleet, on April 20th. Mr. E. W. Fordham [instructed by Mr. H. J. Jefferies. Southend], appeared to prosecute, and Mr. C. E. Jones [instructed by Mr. Nutt, Grays] defended. The evidence given at the Police Court hearing was repeated. Complainant recounted her story of her visit to Purfleet Botany Gardens, where she saw the defendant, who was a stranger to her. She alleged defendant came and sat on the grass beside her and pinched her legs and made a remark about them. He then committed the assault. Complainant cried and he gave her a penny. Evidence was given by three witnesses, who stated that they saw the assault. P.S. Goody said when apprehended, the defendant said, "I touched her leg, but I didn't indecently assault her. I did no more than the other boys." Defendant was sober. Cross-examination elicited the information that the alleged offence took place at about 2.30 in the afternoon and in a public place. Defendant, in the box, produced a number of discharges from ships as to his character. He stated he struck up an acquaintance with two other young men at the Gardens, and they started playing with the complainant and her companions. They both pinched the complainant's legs; remarking how fat they were, and defendant did the same, but he did not commit an indecent assault. He not see her cry, but he gave her a penny. There were plenty of people about at the time, and defendant had no intention whatever of assaulting the child. He was quite sober at the time. He had tried to discover the other two young men and had advertised for them, but without success. Defendant called a half-brother, who gave evidence in support of his character. The jury found defendant guilty, but recommended him to mercy on account of his previous good character. The Chairman [Hon. C. H. Strutt], in sentencing Brooks to six weeks in the second division, said they had taken into consideration, his previous good character, but the offence was a bad one, and young girls must be protected."
"Indecent Assault At Tilbury"
Grays & Tilbury Gazette, and Southend Telegraph
May 30th 1908 Page 3