The History of Mistley Quay. Buildings, Bombing & Bijou.
One of the clubs long standing members has recently written a detailed history of Mistley Quay, starting with the coming of the canal to Sudbury in 1713 and the Rigby family who built the first quay at what became known as ‘New Mistley’, or ‘Mistley Thorne’.
Most sailors are aware of the wreck sitting on the mud opposite Mistley Quay and the need to avoid such a hazard, particularly as it slips below the water at high tide. Not a Viking long ship, but a Thames barge, set alight in the early days of the second world war.
Images on the bombing of Mistley Quay were few and contradictory, until six photos were uncovered in 2024, taken by Charles Pax Rose in the days after the raid. These are other research have shown how Mistley Quay changed and developed in the run up to the war, what was damaged and what eventually was rebuilt. In particular the unique lifting boom crane at the end of the grain store used to accommodate the tall masts of the Thames barges, the predecessor of those huge gantries now seen operating at the port of Felixstowe.
Some people will remember the large black corrugated buildings built by EDME that dominated the Quay and High Street, until they in turn were demolished in 2018, with the derelict site now waiting on further development. Though ugly industrial constructions, they are also rapidly becoming part of the Quays history as is the railway lines, trains and ships that use to frequent the western end of the port.
A copy this booklet is available to read in the Club house and there is a display open to the public at the entrance to ‘Tea At The Quay Mistley’ and ‘Cooper Gallery’ behind the Swan fountain, where copies can also be purchased. Please visit Manningtree Museum for further information.
