As we enter a new year we have to wonder how the skyline over Southend will change in 2024.

Let’s hope more of our old buildings won’t be confined to the history books.

Meanwhile here’s a look at some of Southend’s long lost landmarks which once stood proudly in the town.

Echo: The Lighthouse Helter SkelterThe Lighthouse Helter Skelter (Image: Newsquest)

Among them is a photo of the Floral Hall, a buzzing entertainment venue which once graced the Happy Valley on the seafront.

Echo: Southend seafront Floral Hall - which later burnt downSouthend seafront Floral Hall - which later burnt down (Image: Newsquest)

The Floral Hall burnt down - as did the old Southend Public Hall which stood in Alexandra Street.

Then there’s the Revolving Tower. In some ways this was an early form of a drop thrill ride.

Echo: The Glen stood in Southchurch RoadThe Glen stood in Southchurch Road (Image: Newsquest)

Located where the Kursaal is now- the tower could be found in Southend in the late 1890s. Although by today’s standards the steel scaffold ride was rather sober, to Victorian daytrippers it was the height of adventure.

The ride could take up to 150 passengers who would cram into a saucer-shaped platform that encircled the tower, rising up slowly and gently.

Echo: Hamlet Court manor house before it was demolishedHamlet Court manor house before it was demolished (Image: Newsquest)

But then one day in August 1899 the unthinkable happened – the ride broke and everyone was stuck 126ft at the top – for five hours.

The ride petered out, as did the Lighthouse Helter Skelter - Southend’s first and original super slide. The 40ft slide was located in East Parade from 1906- now called Eastern Esplanade.

Echo: The Bog House once stood in York RoadThe Bog House once stood in York Road (Image: Newsquest)

Also pictured is The Bog House, Hamlet Court Manor House and other historic homes and hotels such as the London Hotel which stood in Southend High Street.

Echo: The Southend Revolving TowerThe Southend Revolving Tower (Image: Newsquest)

It seems like it was an interesting place with an interesting landlord.

Echo: The interesting London HotelThe interesting London Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

In 1900 Arthur Wilson, landlord of the London Hotel, was sent to prison for selling questionable brandy.

In the same year a haul of jewellery worth £100 was stolen from the hotel in a mysterious midnight raid.

Echo: Old Southend Public HallOld Southend Public Hall (Image: Newsquest)

In 1934 Samuel Radley, a 31-year-old barman at the hotel, was impaled on a spike after he fell from the roof while doing exercises.