1867: Brightlingsea is a parish in the Northern division of the county. It seems to have been formerly an island, about 3 miles in extent, and is still nearly surrounded by the Colne, its creeks and marshes, with only two roads from the mainland. The town is ancient and is about 7 miles north west of St Osyth and 10 miles south east from Colchester. The river is noted for its supply of famous oysters; upwards of 300 of the inhabitants are licensed to attend to the cultivation of this important branch of its trade. There are upwards of 200 large and small smacks belonging to this place, and vessels of large burthen may find a safe anchorage in its harbour. Smacks, yachts and boats are built here. The soil is gravelly and sandy loam. Gasworks were established in 1863, at a cost of about £2,500. The church of All Saints is a sea-mark, and stands a mile and a half from the village. The register dates from 1570. There is an Endowed school for sixteen poor boys; and a National school, and a Wesleyan school. There are places of worship for Independents, Methodists, Wesleyans and Swedenborgians. Brightlingsea is a member of the Cinque Ports of Sandwich in Kent, which formerly had jurisdiction over Brightlingsea and Cindery Islands. The population in 1861 was 2585; and the area is 3690 acres including 186 acres of water. Listed included: Charles Blyth - Plumber and Painter.
	1881: Waterside - Charles Blyth, his wife Sarah and 9 of their children; Spring Road - Thomas Blyth, his wife Sarah and 5 of their children; High Street - Arthur and Matilda Blyth.
	Sources: 1818 = Excursions through Essex 1818. 1851 = 1851 Post Office Directory for Essex. 1867 = 1867 Post Office Directory for Essex. 1881 = 1881 Census.
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