| Harwich - Essex is an English coastal town forms part | | | | the Pier Hotel and the Great Eastern Hotel. The latter |
| of the 'Haven Ports'. It has a population of around | | | | has since been converted to apartments. |
| 16,000. Harwich is close to the towns of Colchester, | | | | There has not been a lot of building development since |
| Ipswich, Felixstowe and Clacton-on-sea. | | | | the 20th Century. The only additions of significance are |
| Because of its ideal location on the estuaries of the | | | | a new lifeboat station and two new buildings for Trinity |
| Orwell and Stour rivers, the town has had a long | | | | House. Trinity House is an organization that has been |
| maritime history. In 1657 it became a heavily fortified | | | | dedicated to the wellbeing of sailors since the 1500s. |
| naval base and was used extensively by the military. | | | | The High Lighthouse (built in 1818) and a unique 17th |
| Harwich provided the only secure anchorage between | | | | Century tread wheel crane are very popular tourist |
| the Humber and Thames rivers. | | | | attractions in Harwich. Also worth a visit is one of |
| Due to its beautiful architectural heritage, the older part | | | | England's oldest surviving cinemas. The original |
| of town, with the exception of Navyard Wharf, has | | | | projection room is still functional. |
| been declared a conservation area. Harwich has | | | | Ten miles from Harwich - Essex is Sutton Hoo. This is |
| medieval origins, although this is not easily visible | | | | a significant British archaeological find that tells the |
| because many of the medieval buildings are covered | | | | story about Anglo-Saxon warriors, ship burials and |
| with 18th Century facades. | | | | pagan kings. The site was excavated in 1939. |
| From 1854 onwards, the town was frequented by | | | | Treasures that can be seen include gold ornaments, a |
| many travelers. This was a result of the construction | | | | warrior's shield and helmet, and Byzantine silver found |
| of a new railway track from Colchester. To | | | | in the burial chamber of a ship. Visitor facilities include a |
| accommodate these visitors, two hotels were built - | | | | restaurant, exhibition hall and various shops. |