town and unitary authority, geographic and historic county of Essex, England. It lies on the Thames estuary and the North Sea. The nearest major seaside resort to London, 40 miles (64 km) away, it attracts millions of visitors, and there are many resident commuters. It is noted for its pier (1.5 miles 【2 km】 long) as well as its beaches, gardens, yachting, open-air theatre, carnival celebration, and seafront illuminations. The town has also attracted light industry. The parish of Prittlewell, now a part of Southend, has a 12th-century priory that houses a museum. Southend became fashionable as a seaside resort when visited by Princess Charlotte of Wales in 1801 and by her mother, Princess Caroline, in 1803. Area 16 square miles (42 square km). Pop. (2005 est.) 159,300.