From the mist of time, a hazy recollection

As a very young child still in shorts circa early 50’s, I clearly remember walking along the old Benfleet medieval high street* (footpath) that ran behind the Conservative club emerging at the side of Head-hunters barbers towards memorial corner to meet friends. When we were suddenly confronted with a loaded Haywain, pulled by four bullocks that was crossing the creek that used to straddle the High Road at the end of St Mary’s churchyard wall (approx where St Mary’s Close is nowadays). I remember the Haywain took ages to cross the small creek whilst a rare car waited. I was witnessing the end of an era of history, the change- over from the 19th to 20th Century but unfortunately too young to appreciate at the time.
Thomas Johnson©2021

*The Close