Essex and the French Wars, c.1795-1815

An exploration of the county and its people during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars - with the Waterloo Association The period of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1792-1802 & 1803-1814/15) witnessed much fighting across the globe. Closer to home, Essex formed the north-eastern defence to London from a possible French invasion. The beaches of the Tendring Hundred (Clacton, Walton and Frinton) were gently shelving and ideal for landing an invading army. As such, Essex was a strategic location to defend London and was suitably fortified and prepared to repel a French army advancing on the capital. Essex men also served further afield in Nelson’s navy and Wellington’s army. Join us for this day conference, held in conjunction with the Waterloo Association (www.waterlooassociation.org.uk), to hear a number of talks on, such as, various aspects of the civil defence of the county, to find out about the recruitment of boy soldiers and the part that men from Essex played in the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo. Also, how Essex parish registers can help to chart the progress of soldiers and their followers across the county. Programme for the Day* 09:30-10:00 Registration and coffee 10:00-10:10 Welcome: Martin Astell, ERO Manager 10:10-10:40 Farmers, Labourers and Overseers: war-time economy and society in rural Essex, 1790-1820: Henry French 10:40-11:05 Essex and the defence of Great Britain: an overview: Neil Wiffen 11:05-11:15 COMFORT BREAK 11:15-11:45 ‘curious documents in future times’: the role of the Lieutenancy in the defence of Essex: Neil Wiffen 11:45-12:30 Mansfield child soldier from Essex: Owen Davis 12:30-13:30 LUNCH 13:30-14:15 The Battle of Trafalgar - New perspectives and Essex links: John Morewood 14:15-15:00 Essex men of the Peninsular and Waterloo: Gareth Glover 15:00-15:10 COMFORT BREAK 15:10-15:30 Hatched, matched but mainly dispatched: soldiers and their dependents in Essex parish registers: Victoria West 15:30-15:40 The Waterloo Association: an overview: Owen Davis 15:40-15:50 Conclusion and thanks: Martin Astell *We will do our best to stick to these timings as well as ensuring that the running order stays as it is. Lunch is included in the ticket price which is kindly sponsored by the Waterloo Association.