Essex village-with a rich history and thriving high street

Named after the martyred Anglo-Saxon princess Saint Osyth, the village has long held a special place in the heritage of the region. Central to this legacy is St Osyth Priory, a majestic former abbey founded in the 12th century.

The historic Priory (Image: Newsquest Reporter) The priory has witnessed centuries of religious, political and social change—from its days as a powerful Augustinian monastery to private estate, and now as a stunning, Grade I listed landmark undergoing thoughtful restoration.

Its iconic gatehouse and surrounding grounds remain a focal point of the village, drawing visitors and historians alike.

St Osyth church (Image: Newsquest Reporter) St Osyth social club (Image: Newsquest Reporter) But history is only part of St Osyth’s charm.

Today, it is home to a vibrant tapestry of independent businesses, who are the lifeblood of the community.

From cosy pubs and quirky gift shops to health clinics and family-run eateries, the village hums with warmth, creativity, and community pride.

The beautiful high street home to many small businesses (Image: Newsquest Reporter)We spoke to several business owners who shared what makes St Osyth so special—and why they’re proud to call it home.

Rachel Ollie,44, who runs the popular Kings Arms Pub in the village of St Osyth said:

Rachel Ollie (Image: Newsquest Reporter) "It was my dream to own a pub, and I think being in Brightlingsea before, I wanted to be in a village with a similar sense of community, and I must admit, it has been amazing. I like the community here, and my youngest goes to St Osyth nursery. She loves that.

"This place has such a strong community. Everyone knows everybody, everyone helps everybody, and they sort of support all the businesses.

"You've got the Priory, the museum, the arts and crafts shops who do lots of activities for home-schooled children, the village hall has lots of activities going on.

"At the Kings Arms, we hold lots of live music, open mic nights, private functions, and we try to help out people in the community as much as we can." 

Karen Woodward,44, who runs the shop With Love from he little witch said:

Karen Woodward (Image: Newsquest Reporter) "I've had this shop from last November. Most people are quite friendly, so it's nice. In Summer, we are looking forward to all the holidaymakers.

"I am very happy running the shop here. There's a waterpark down the road, beaches aren't too far, the Priory I have heard good things about.

"Dukes is a great restaurant in town that a lot of people really like. I feel it's just a nice little village with community spirit."

Wendy Doney,63, who runs the St Osyth Foot clinic and Holistics in town said: 

Wendy Doney (Image: Newsquest Reporter) "I started this place in 2018 just before covid, and it was doing really well, but then covid hit, and I really struggled, but I could stay open as this is clinical.

"I have been here nearly seven years and I have been very well supported by the community. The people who live here keep me going through the winter with their loyalty, they are a really friendly bunch, they all know each other.

"There's a real community spirit here. If you put the effort for them, they will give it back to you.

"The pubs are great run by really friendly people. We all know and support each other. The people keep the businesses going. It's also got so much history here. It's amazing"