Situated just 30 miles from London in the
county of Essex, Basildon was created as one of eight 'New Towns' destined
for South-East England. This was back in 1949 following the New Towns Act of
1946. These new towns came about mainly due to a need for new housing brought about by
London's long waiting lists following the second world war and the damage
inflicted on inner London's suburban houses.
The area designated for this purpose comprised some 7,818 acres of land in a six mile long by 3
mile wide containment. The existing towns of Laindon and Pitsea within this area, though
3½ miles apart would thus be linked and absorbed in the proposal, with Basildon itself
being the central point in the development. The two existing towns Laindon and Pitsea were
already well established at this time with shops, schools and other social amenities - and
both had rail links to London. This is often overlooked or unknown by some who are of the
belief that Basildon was "nothing but fields" before the coming of the new town and its early
pioneers in the 1950s.
In fact the name Basildon is not new at all, being of Saxon origin meaning
'Beorhtels Hill', but in the 1940s was little more than a small village near the site of Holy
Cross Church.
Census statistics for the Basildon district comprising Laindon, Pitsea, Vange, Lee Chapel,
Dunton etc. stood at 4,449 by 1921 reaching 12,968 by 1931 and rising still further to 34,000 by
1951; the year Basildon welcomed its first 'new' residents. Today, in the new millennium,
Basildon's population is well in excess of 120,000.
As development of the town got under way it brought great change to the landscape with some
areas undergoing total transformation, leaving little of the past remaining. Scores of road
names disappeared along with thousands of properties in mixed developments - many compulsory
purchased - as the Government appointed Basildon Development Corporation strove to transform
the area into a modern town.
The story of those day's before the new town, its development, and continuing story, is
brought to you here through a blend of past and present photographs, information and personal
memories - that will also be of interest to former residents
wishing to keep up-to-date with Basildon's progression.
Hoping you can find something of
interest here. Please visit again and check for new updates.
All information seen on this website is subject
to the terms and conditions found in the disclaimer. Accurate information is used whenever
possible but where no authentication exists, some information and dates are given as
approximate. Any help to further this website in respect of verification regarding dates/factual
information etc., is always gratefully appreciated.
Photographs
If you have any photographs that you would like to see displayed, or information regarding
old photographs of Basildon and the surrounding area, (Vange, Pitsea, Dunton, Langdon Hills,
Nevendon or Laindon),
please E-mail this website with details.
