Fred Edwards, Ferry man / Bridge operator

Colvin Bridge 1931 opening day

My Gt Uncle Fred Edwards was one of the ferry men prior to the first Bridge. When the Colvin Bridge was built and opened in 1931 Fred was made redundant as ferryman, but given a part to play on the opening day.

He was employed as the bridge operator to lower the barriers and open the bridge for sailing vessels to pass through. He was housed in the little hut on the canvey side of the bridge.

His portrait is included as saint Christopher by miss Barbara Nicholson, who painted the chancel screen panels in St Marys Church Benfleet in1929.

Comments about this page

  • Nice to picture of Fred Edwards. My Grandfather also called Arthur, used to get on the island by stepping stones at low tide.

    He used to walk along the winter gardens footpath to Benfleet railway station to collect the chicken feed. 100 hundred weight and carry it on his  shoulder until he was eighty years old, he then used a sack barrow.

    By Arthur F Parslow (22/04/2017)

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