Town and unitary authority (pop., 2001: 160,256), geographic and historic county of Essex, southeastern England.
It lies on the Thames estuary and the North Sea . The nearest seaside resort to London , it attracts millions of visitors, and there are many resident commuters. It is noted for its 1.3-mi (2.2-km) pier as well as its beaches and gardens; yachting is popular. A 12th-century priory houses a museum.