[5] Historically the area was a focal point for smugglers, who used the secluded water inlets of Tollesbury, Salcott cum Virley and Mersea, and often hid their contraband within the overgrown heathland.

To help maintain the heath, Dexter cattle are grazed there during the summer[6] and a herd of hardy Exmoor ponies throughout the year.

[11] Within the Church of England, the village is part of the United Benefice of Tolleshunt Knights with Tiptree and Great Braxted.

[15] From about 1904 until 1951 the village was served by the Kelvedon and Tollesbury Light Railway (locally known as the Crab and Winkle Line).

It was an early victim of the mid-20th century cutbacks to the British Rail network and Tiptree railway station closed in 1951.

The nearest operational railway station is Kelvedon on the main Norwich to London Liverpool Street line.