Frederick Hester : A brief history in pictures - Page 13 : The Winter Gardens
Canvey - 'Little Venice' Tom Merry illustration
from 1902
Other planned Hester attractions were electric launches, illuminated Gondoliers & Punts in the creeks and on the Knightswick Farm Lake - Hester's very own 'little Venice'! The land lost at Canvey Point after the 1881 flood was ear marked for a luxury Marina with a floating restaurant and houseboats. At Leigh Beck a gambling Casino was built by a syndicate thinking the Canvey's reclaimed land was out of British jurisdiction!
1902 - King of Canvey Carnival
Here is a 1902 scene from a 'King of Canvey' festival in the Winter Gardens area. The three day carnival would include 'Canvey Aborigines' (yes even then!), fireworks and a Guy Fawkes bon-fire. Col & Mrs E.Clarke were crowned the King & Queen of Canvey with the members of the public and the Benfleet Highlanders Band meeting them on a "Royal" barge.