Wat Tyler Country Park has played host to an abundance of school trips, fancy dress fun and history days since it opened more than 35 years ago.
The 125-acre beauty spot was opened in 1984 after Basildon Council took control of the park.
Since then, the Pitsea park has undergone significant expansion and is renowned as a major heritage attraction.
The park is named after Walter ‘Wat’ Tyler, who led the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, despite there being little evidence of him having any local connection other than the revolt kicking off in nearby Fobbing.
Costume capers - school pupils bring some historic moments to life in March 1990
Wat Tyler Country Park - whose visitors has included former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock - still boasts a miniature railway, but the Motorboat Museum no longer exists after closing in 2009.
Digging deep - former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock during a visit to Wat Tyler Country Park
Sheepish - four-year-old Nicole Seabrook with Frisky the lamb at the park in 1990
Marking the spot - promoting Wat Tyler Park’s new museum
Read more:
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- Southend Airport has seen it all over the years - but is it world’s oldest?
Historical - Holly Cottage was rebuilt within the park
What a hoot - a host of schoolchildren meet Amber the owl in 1991
Taking aim - members of the Sealed Knot get fired up in front of Holly Cottage
Painful insight - youngsters get a history lesson in 17th century amputations
Little Red Riding Hood - a costumed schoolgirl enjoys a fairytale fun day at the park
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