There has been a crossing-point to Canvey at low-tide for pedestrians and wheeled transport via the gravel hard on the bed of Benfleet Creek since at least the fifteenth century. There is photographic evidence from the late 19th century of the rowing-boat ferry and a variety of stepping stones.
After years of lobbying by the islanders, a road-bridge named after Brigadier-General R. B. Colvin was opened on 21st May 1931 by Alderman J. H. Burrows J.P. This was replaced by the present structure opened in 1973.
In this section will be postcards, pictures, facts and figures about the crossing.
Postcard of the Ferry
Printed by Walter Cox
The Ferry
Photos by Henry Clubb c1925
Approach Road Opens with a Demo
Canvey News and Benfleet Recorder April 13th 1973
The Stepping Stones
and the old ferry c1896
The Crossing
from Canvey to Benfleet
Canvey - Benfleet Crossing
From Dowd's Canvey Cyclopaedia
The Ferry Crossing
Postcard Posted 1914
The crossing to Benfleet 1930/31
Busy crossing and bridge being built
The Stepping Stones
From the Benfleet side
The Ferry Boats
Taken about 1925
Colvin Bridge
during construction c1930
The Old Bridge
Showing the bridge in the open position
Swing Bridge, Canvey Island
Questions in the House of Commons
Ferry Tales
Problems of being an Island