To celebrate His Majesty the King’s Coronation next Saturday, 6th May, train operator c2c has released a special map highlighting the numerous locations linked to royals throughout history along its route from London to South Essex.

To find out which are the key locations that have received royals of old and left their mark, c2c has scoured through the archives to help its customers create the perfect day out to mark the historic occasion.

Among the historic sights are:

• The Tower of London, which was built during the reign of William the Conqueror and is currently owned by King Charles III; the Tower is a short walk from Fenchurch Street Station;
• Barking Abbey, which housed William the Conqueror in December 1066, whilst the Tower of London was being built;
• Tilbury, from where Elizabeth I gave her famous ‘Speech to the Troops’ to her forces as they assembled to prepare for the invasion of the Spanish Armada in August 1588;
• St Martin’s Bell Tower in Basildon, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. The bells were gifted to St Martin’s church and were all cast in Whitechapel over 500 years ago.

Further information about the key royal spots on the trail and more highlights ar on c2c’s special Coronation map which can be found at https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/create-your-day-out/c2cs-royal-route-map-for-the-kings-coronation/

To travel to any of the royal destinations along the route c2c has some special fare offers, including kids for £2 to Senior Rovers. c2c also has 2FOR1 vouchers when you purchase a c2c ticket for many of London’s royal-related attractions, such as the Jewel Tower, one of only two surviving buildings from the original Palace of Westminster built in 1365 to house the King’s personal treasures.

To make travelling in London and Essex quicker and easier ahead of the Coronation, c2c customers are also encouraged to purchase tickets on their c2c Smartcard in advance.

c2c’s Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said: “We’re really looking forward to helping customers celebrate His Majesty’s Coronation – our royal route map is the perfect guide to explore the area and the rich history of Essex and London.

“We know that many people will be heading into London, to special events, meeting up with loved ones or simply enjoying some extra well-earned time off and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board c2c for the occasion.”

Unfortunately, during the Coronation weekend, some engineering works will be taking place so customers to check their journeys in advance.

Saturday, 6th May:

Normal service

Sunday, 7th May:

Services via Ockendon:

• After Barking, trains will be diverted into Liverpool Street and will run non-stop via an alternative route between Upminster and Pitsea.
• A shuttle train will run between Upminster – Ockendon – Chafford Hundred.
• Rail-replacement buses will run between Chafford Hundred, and between Pitsea, Upminster and Grays via Rainham.

Services via Laindon:

• Will run to/from Liverpool Street station and will not stop at Fenchurch Street, Limehouse, or West Ham but will call at Stratford.

Monday, 8th May

• Bank Holiday services will operate, but there will be an extra four trains per hour between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness via Laindon between 07:00-22:00.
• Services via Ockendon will start/terminate at Southend Central.

Passengers should check on the c2c website for the latest fare and travel information