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Margery Allingham

One of the “Queens of Crime”, this Tolleshunt D'Arcy novelist was famous for her fictional detective Albert Campion

Allingham started writing in childhood, and her first novel, Blackkerchief Dick, an occult story allegedly based on a tale she had heard during a séance, was published in 1923. Her breakthrough occurred in 1929, however, with the publication of her first detective story, The Crime at Black Dudley. Although a fairly minor character in her first book, the detective Albert Campion caught the public’s attention and he returned in her next book Mystery Mile. He proved such a successful character that he became the centrepiece of another 17 novels and more than 20 short stories, continuing into the 1960s.

In 1941, Allingham published a non-fiction work, The Oaken Heart, in which she describes her experiences in Tolleshunt D’Arcy (which she nicknames Auburn) as the locals and troops prepared for the possibility of a German invasion. Allingham was heavily involved in the war effort as village billeting officer and first aid organiser, and her house became the Air Raid Precautions Post and accommodation for troops.

Allingham died from cancer in 1966, aged 62, and her final Campion novel, Cargo of Eagles, was completed by her husband at her request. She is buried in St Nicholas’ new churchyard, on the opposite side of the road from the church and to the south.

Her literary legacy regards her as one of the “Queens of Crime” from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, alongside Agatha Christie, Dorothy L Sayers and Ngaio Marsh.

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D'Arcy House

A blue plaque marks D'Arcy House as the home of famous novelist Margery Allingham who wrote the Albert Campion detective stories.
St Nicholas's, Tolleshunt D'Arcy

St Nicholas Church is Grade I listed. Its churchyard extension, a little way up the road, has three Commonwealth War Graves.
Tolleshunt D'Arcy Maypole

In the middle of the road junction in Tolleshunt D'Arcy stands the village maypole, one of the few remaining original maypoles to be found. The bottom has been protected by a wooden cage.

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St Mary the Virgin

Address

Church Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8QB

Telephone
01621 786066

stmaryschurchburnham@outlook.com

Burnham-on-Crouch

Affectionately known as St Mary's, there has been a church on this site since 1155, possibly even earlier, and as such the fabric of the building reflects a long and eventful history.
Holy Trinity Church

Address

Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

Telephone
01621 742947

North Fambridge

This 200 year old church is the only place of worship in North Fambridge.
St Giles Leper Hospital Remains

Address

Spital Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6EA

Telephone
01621 857373

administration@maldontowncouncil.gov.uk

Maldon

Remains of an ancient Leper Hospital said to have been founded in 1164 by Henry II.
St Barnabas Church

Address

Mayland Hill, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6DZ

Telephone
01621 742596

sallyannwood@hotmail.com

Mayland

St Barnabas Church is located a short drive away from the residential area of the village with spectacular views of the neighbouring farms and fields. The church is nestled in a well kept churchyard with six Commonwealth War Graves, and many…
St Peter's Church, Goldhanger

Address

Church Street, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AS

Goldhanger

St. Peter’s Church is central to the spirit of the village and the close community here. We hold services on the second Sunday of the month at 10:00am and a family service every other week.
St Mary the Virgin church Tollesbury

Address

Church Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QJ

Telephone
07908 776750

office.blackwaterbenefice@gmail.com

Tollesbury

St Mary the Virgin is a beautiful Grade II* Listed church in the village of Tollesbury. The nave and part of the tower date back to the 11th century and incorporate reused Roman bricks and tiles. Inside there is an interesting font and brass and the…
The Assumption of our Lady, RC Church

Address

60A Victoria Rd, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HF

Telephone
01621 852259

maldon@brcdt.org

Maldon

The Assumption of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church in Maldon was opened in 1925, replacing a temporary place of worship that had been set up in and old converted Forge in Silver Street.
World War Two Avenue of Remembrance

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating lake, consists of 86 Horse Chestnut trees that were planted in 1987 to commemorate local people who died serving their country during World War Two.
St James Church, Dengie

Address

Keelings Road, Dengie, Essex, CM0 7UH

Telephone
01621 779620

Dengie

St James, Dengie is a small parish church serving the rural villages of Asheldham and Dengie. The Grade II listed church building dates back to the 14th century, but the Nave walls may be even earlier from Saxon times, and remains of Roman bricks…
All Saints' Church, Tolleshunt Knights

Address

Rectory Road, Tolleshunt Knights, CM9 8HF

Tolleshunt Knights

This 12th century Grade II* Listed church is now owned by the nearby Orthodox Monastery of St John the Baptist. The churchyard has two Commonwealth War Graves.
Maldon Baptist

Address

Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

Telephone
07768 086248

Maldon

We are a friendly bunch of people who take seriously our responsibility to seek first the Kingdom of God.
St Andrew's Church, Althorne

Address

Fambridge Road, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BY

lucientaylor@yahoo.co.uk

Althorne

St Andrew's is a Grade II listed building with a tower dating back to around 1500, although it is in need of restoration and funds are being raised. It has a modern church hall available for hire.
All Saints' Church, Little Totham

Address

Church Lane, Little Totham, CM9 8LU

Telephone
07908 776750

office.blackwaterbenefice@gmail.com

Little Totham

This charming Grade I Listed church has a 12th century nave and 14th century chancel. There's a fine 17th century altar tomb monument and a 15th century font. In the churchyard are two Commonwealth War Graves.
D'Arcy House, home of Margery Allingham

Address

1 South Street, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, CM9 8TR

Tolleshunt D'Arcy

A blue plaque marks D'Arcy House as the home of famous novelist Margery Allingham who wrote the Albert Campion detective stories.
St Lawrence & All Saints Church, Steeple

Address

The Street, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7RH

Steeple

The Grade II Listed parish church was built in 1884 and has a timber framed steeple, shingled spire and a 15th century font. The church contains two white marble War Memorial tablets.
All Saints' Church, Gt Braxted

Address

Church Chase, Great Braxted, Essex, CM8 3EW

Telephone
01621 819557

thurstableteamadmin@btinternet.com

Great Braxted

The medieval church features a Nave and Chancel from the 12th century and is situated within the 2,000-acre Braxted Park estate. The churchyard is home to the Commonwealth War Grave of Brigadier General Hubert John Du Cane.
Creeksea Place House and Gardens

Address

Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

Telephone
01621 784535

info@creekseaplace.co.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Creeksea Place is a 16th century fairytale Tudor Mansion set in beautiful gardens. The house with its captivating façade and tranquil surroundings is steeped in history.
Bakersfield

Address

The Drive, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6GT

Telephone
01621 743551

maylandpc@btinternet.com

Mayland

A large, open site adjacent to Lawling Playing Field which also contains the Memorial Wall. Large car park, enclosed children's play site, developing woodland areas and surfaced paths.
The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall

Address

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PW

stpeterschapel@outlook.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it is one of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country, a place to bring you peace and tranquillity. The old Saxon quote on the Chapel sign ‘In this…
Woodham Mortimer Hall - Blue Plaque Site

Address

Woodham Mortimer Hall, Maldon Road, Woodham Mortimer, CM9 6SN

Woodham Mortimer

Woodham Mortimer Hall is a private home, with no public access. The 15th century hall with its distinctive brick chimneys, heavily redeveloped in the early 17th century, was the home of obstetrician Dr Peter Chamberlen whose family invented the…

Margery Allingham

One of the “Queens of Crime”, this Tolleshunt D'Arcy novelist was famous for her fictional detective Albert Campion

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