Royal Terrace's History

Royal Terrace was one of the first 'streets' in the new town of Southend. Back then it was called South End because of its location in relation to the older (and then larger) town of Prittlewell. Nowadays, Southend dwarfs neighbouring Prittlewell after vast expansion most probably due to tourism of its seafront attractions and great location.

Royal Terrace gets it name from a royal visit in 1803. Caroline, Princess of Wales arrived on 2nd May and stayed for six weeks . She and her suite occupied three houses on the terrace, No. 7 as a drawing room, No. 8 for dining; and No. 9 for sleeping. Early Nineteenth Century writers date the success of South End as a sea bathing place from Princess Caroline's visits. In 1806 it was stated that the Princess of Wales had previously "spent three months at this agreeable resort, from hence its celebrity hath constantly increased, and it now ranks a watering place of fashion and reputation."