Frederick Hester : A brief history in pictures - Page 3 : The Homes

From 1897 Frederick started to buy land on Canvey including Island Farm where it is understood he lived for a while. An artesian well was sunk that supplied fresh water by the bucket that could be purchased for 2 pence a pail. Along with other land he owned, it was divided up into small plots to be sold to the London visitors encouraged by the posters offering a free train ride and lunch! Along with other members of his family, Frederick went into partnership with Mr Hillman who loyally stayed by him over the next 7 years.


Leigh Beck Farm on Canvey Island

The 1901 census shows his son FWB Hester living with his wife Elizabeth and their son in 'Sea View Leigh Beck'. In 1964 one of Fred's son's Herbert Frank Hester explained that during these early days he had lived with his brother FWB in 'Leigh Beck House' and that their father Frederick lived in Marlborough House. He stated that Marlborough House was in fact the first house his father built on Canvey and that it was later bought (possibly in 1904) by Mr Harding who converted it into a guest house (see below). A document dated June 8th 1904 in which Frederick Snr is applying for permission to build a Railway Generation House (See later) gives his address as Marlbough House at that time.


Marlborough House - Station Road, Canvey Island - Picture thanks to Eileen Jackson

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