Southbournebroke Leper Hospital

This hospital, known under various names like Sideburbrok or Southbournebroke, likely was founded the lords of South Ockendon and existed by 1201. It was initially for lepers but transitioned into a free chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Its exact founding date remains unknown, but it gained royal protection in the early 1200s. The institution faced financial struggles, obtaining exemptions from taxes due to its poverty during Edward III's reign. Legal disputes, including one over tithes with the rector of South Ockendon, also marked its history. The chapel's worth was £10 annually, but it was sold off after the dissolution to Sir Anthony Browne and Richard Weston, along with surrounding properties and land.

A missal and breviary dating from 1383-1398 made for the hospital is still in existence. It passed through the Harris family of Shenfield and then to the Raymond family of of Belchamp Hall before being sold at Christie's in 1966. In March 1989, prior to development of the site of the hospital, there were an archaeological investigations to try and find evidence of the buildings. Only the lines of medieval ditches were found, but these contained pottery dating back to the 13th century.