Anti-German riots took place against German businesses in Southend-on-Sea after a local woman, Agnes Whitwell, was killed during one of Britain’s first ever air raids.

On 10 May 1915, a Zeppelin airship dropped over 100 bombs on the town, killing one person; Mrs Whitwell of North Road, Prittlewell. But the air raid coincided with the sinking of the Lusitania and the publication of the Bryce Report into German atrocities in Belgium, leading to an outpouring of anti-German sentiment in Southend and elsewhere in the country.

Shortly afterwards, hundreds of people rioted against several German-run businesses in Southend-on-Sea, including on the High Street, Queens Road and Pier Hill. Order was only restored after the police called in the army.

Location: North Road, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS0 7AG

Image shows damage from the air raids