CANVEY’S Dutch Cottage continues to stand proudly after more than 400 years and is one of south Essex’s most recognisable landmarks.

A Grade II-listed building, the cottage on Canvey Road was built circa 1618 and is a quaint octagonal building.

It is now a museum run by the Benfleet and District Historical Society on behalf of Castle Point Borough Council.

The octagonal building takes its name from its association with the 17th century Dutch immigrants who constructed many of the sea walls of the south Essex coast.

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Visitors - Jackie Terry, Councillor Ray Howard, Essex County Council chief executive Gavin Jones, Councillor Dave Blackwell and Trudie Bragg on a visit to the historic landmark

Canvey’s Dutch Village is steeped in history and plans to build homes on the land have been rejected in recent years.

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A mysterious Dutch Cottage can also be found on Crown Hill, Rayleigh, which has supposedly been there since 1621.

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Outside - tenant Ann Jolly stands proudly outside the cottage in April 1993

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Scroll down to see more snaps through the decades.

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Looking out - past Rochford Council chairman Beryl Lovett with then-present chairman Jo Jones in October 1984

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Hard at work - Dutch Cottage thatcher Stephen Williams

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When I’m cleaning windows - Ann Savery in the cottage in 1986

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Discussions - a host of visitors speak outside the Dutch Cottage in the 1980s

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Historic - the Dutch Cottage celebrated its 400th birthday two years ago

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All smiles - Janet Penn, website editor of the Canvey Community Archive, Councillor Joan Liddiard, Rebecca Harris MP, and Canvey Community Archive secretary Janet Walden

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Standing proud - the Dutch Cottage has been well maintained through the decades

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Inside the landmark - St Katherine’s School pupils Sophie Paton, eight, and nine-year-old Dulcie Hyde in 2012