Secret tunnel discovered and explored at historic Royal Terrace in Southend

A HIDDEN “smugglers tunnel” once used as a hive of illegal activity runs under the pricey properties that line Southend’s Royal Terrace, travelling under the cliffs and down to the shore.

After hearing the rumours that more than one of the homes boasts a hidden entrance, urban explorer Martin Halliday couldn’t resist embarking on an adventure.

Mr Halliday explores old and empty buildings, as well as historic sites in south Essex, for his YouTube channel DE-evolved.

Explore - Martin Halliday at the Royal Terrace (Image: Martin Halliday)

Although the entrances to the homes are now covered in bricks, the traces of the tunnel’s existence remain visible.

After knocking on a few doors on the street, Mr Halliday was lucky enough to be let into a home where the remnants of the notorious tunnels can still be seen.

Blocked - The tunnel is now shut off (Image: Martin Halliday)

Mr Halliday said: “It was another secret tunnel we discovered in Southend.

“Unfortunately it is not possible to access, at least not from the residential end any more.

“It was a random explore, as I suddenly remembered the story of hidden cliff tunnels and a rumour about hidden tunnels from one of the houses along the Royal Terrace.”

Mr Halliday subsequently approached a resident for more information.

He added: “I took a closer look and knocked, and the lady whom owned the one I knocked at answered, it turns out she runs a history page in Southend on Facebook.

History - The discovery of the tunnel (Image: Martin Halliday)

“She was more than happy to tell me more and then we chatted about the tunnels and I asked nicely if I could see the bricked up access point.

“She agreed, and this is what we found along the Royal Terrace.

“I also found a further two more houses also with similar tunnel areas that disappeared under Royal Terrace road just in front of Cliff Gardens.

“These houses have a magnificent history attached to them.”

Interest - The tunnel reportedly leads down to the shore (Image: Martin Halliday)

One of the buildings of note near the tunnel is Hamilton House which is named after Lady Hamilton.

Hamilton particularly left a huge impact on Southend’s history as she hosted a grand ball in honour of Nelson in the Royal Hotel located few doors down from the boutique hotel.

Halliday’s discovery underlines the fascinating layers of history nestled in Southend.