Blessing and Reclaiming of the Waters 2024

Brightlingsea had another fantastic, colourful Blessing of the Waters in 2024! The Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports’ Droit-gatherer read out the Address & the dignitaries in mayoral robes and chains assembled. T

he Procession that walked from outside St James Church down to the Town Hard was over 100 strong, headed by the Colchester Waits, with medieval musical instruments & dress. They were followed by the Bishop of Colchester, the Vicar of Brightlingsea, HM Lord Lieutenant of Essex & the High Sheriff of Essex. The hosts were the Cinque Port Deputy & Lady Deputy of Brightlingsea, Steve & Carolyne Archer, accompanied by the Town Mayor & Mayoress Cllr John & Jane Carr.

Local coastal Essex mayors taking part included those of the City of Colchester, Harwich, Maldon, Wivenhoe & West Mersea. Cinque Port mayors from Kent & Sussex were present to support Essex’s Cinque Port, including Brightlingsea’s Head Port of Sandwich, & those of Rye, Deal, Fordwich & Margate. The Chairmen of ECC & TDC both took part, as did many other dignitaries.

The Service of Blessing of the Waters at the Town Hard started when the Town Crier made his Address to the hundreds of people gathered there. The Bishop Rt Rev Roger Morris blessed the waters and blessed boats with sprinkled water. He was supported in this by Rev Caroline Beckett & Rev Judith Gibbons.

When the boats set off with dignitaries aboard, there was enough breeze to make the flags, bunting & pennants fly spectacularly. As they set off, as is traditional everyone joined in making “the DIN” to help beat the bounds.

The only remaining Skillinger Smack PIONEER led off, followed by Smacks MARIA, WILLIAM, PRISCILLA, & Bawley BLACKBIRD, with launches TRINITY & KERRY ANN, working boats LULABELLE, MAVERICK plus the HARBOUR FERRY. Many other boats took part including the Essex Marine Police rib, yachts, cruisers, and numerous small craft including Gigs & dinghies.

The High Sheriff of Essex tweeted: “Brightlingsea Blessing of the Waters today, what an absolute joy! It was an honour to participate”