A barbarian who joined the Roman army and earned promotion because of his skill in sea battles, he was given the job of protecting the channel from barbarian raiders.
When news reached Rome that he had allowed raiders to loot settlements and then relieved them of their booty as they returned home, he was sentenced to death but managed to escape to Britain with his troops.
He ruled the Roman part of Britain for a number of years before he was murdered.
The forts that he built around the south-east coast continued to protect against the Saxons for a century after his death.
The coastline north of the Thames was marshland with the exception of one small tip of land. This was chosen as the site for Othona, a square enclosure with 12ft thick walls.
Almost nothing is known of Othona during the early post-Roman years.
After converting the East Saxons, Cedd established a monastry on the Othona site and built St Peter's.
After Cedd's death in 664, Essex became part of the diocese of London, with St Peters becoming the "minster".
When the Vikings started raiding the east coast a few centuries later the exposed position of St Peter's made it a target and the villagers built a new church in Bradwell itself.
Masses continued to be celebrated at St Peter's up to the 17th century, when it was turned into a barn and largely forgotten.
The church was "re-discovered" in the early part of this century, restored, and reconsecrated in 1920.
The Othona Community holds its services in St Peter's during the summer months.
As you come into Latchingdon the B1010 joins from the left.
The road through Latchingdon is straight and then there is a mini roundabout where the Burnham road goes off to the right. Carry straight on following the Bradwell signs. As you get near to Bradwell St Peters is signposted off to the right.
You cannot take your car right up to St Peters but have to park it and walk the last few hundred yards.
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