At this time of the year we appear to be increasingly celebrating HALLOWEEN, which until recently seems to have attracted far more attention in the USA.
I mention that since for her historical feature this week, MARGARET MILLS turned her attention to the Essex connection with COUNT DRACULA.
Oh yes, there is a connection, especially with Purfleet.
In the 1897 book by BRAM STOKER, mention is made of a place called CARFAX HOUSE in Purfleet.
It will come as little surprise that the original CARFAX HOUSE no longer exists, if it ever did.
However the house on which it is believed Bram Stoker modelled his fictitious CARFAX HOUSE, was PURFLEET HOUSE, built in the 1790’s for the Whitbred family which itself was demolished in the 1920’s.
You can listen again here to what Margaret told me today: –
Very much hope to see you again next week,
Scott