Like you I am London born (Stratford), bombed out of Plaistow (twice) n raised in Walthamstow. Also like you I am a voluntary exile tho’ in NZ. I have known the area of Essex you so eloquently write about since my youth (days out to Sahfend & environs on me bike) Most of my large family of Uncles, Aunts n cousins have moved out to Essex n inhabit the areas you obviously know so well. Mum lived for some years on Canvey in her latter years, & a cousin recently moved to Sth Ockenden (a swamp in Uhtred’s day)
This is a very long lead up to saying your research into the history n geography is stunning. I realise I’m not telling you anything you dont already know but anything to keep you going !!!!!!! I also have read all of Sharpe’s books n love ’em. You have made me very homesick after 50 yrs in NZ.
Be lucky townie n keep up what must be a punishing regime of writing…
Tony F