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Basildon Stories |
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Basildon Stories
True life accounts of how things were in Laindon, Vange, Pitsea etc., from people
who were living here then.
Some stories recall historical accounts of the days when the Basildon area was windy
country lanes with farms, fields, and scattered development. While others take us through the
transition in the years following the area being designated a new town in 1949.
A person's life in Vange by J. R. Cartwright
A fascinating account of life in Vange and its shops through personal memories during the
1940s to the 1950s, when Campbell's motor services ran the school bus, the local chemist was
Mr. Conduit and a cup of tea could be had at the Busy Bee Cafe.
The story of Basildon & District as they were 1937 - 1947
by Thomas Edwards
A journey along the original roads of the area that was to become
Basildon new town. Beginning and ending at Holy Cross Church, with graphic descriptions of the
old villages of Basildon, Nevendon and Vange, as they were in the period 1937 - 1947.
Laindon in the 1950s and 1960s
by Brian Baylis
Laindon born Brian Baylis describes the
High Road and its many shops, from the Railway Station to the Fortune of War in the
1950s and 1960s. He also recounts his school days spent at Markhams Chase Primary, where the
Headmistress was Janet Duke, and at Laindon High Road Secondary Modern, whose Headmaster then
was Mr. J.H.J. Woodward.
A Memoir of Langdon Hills Sanatorium
by David Alexander
In 1927 a Sanatorium in Dry Street, Langdon Hills opened. Its
purpose to treat tuberculosis in children. David Alexander was a patient there between
1943/1944 and he gives a graphic account of those times spent within its confines. A time like
no other, with Britain in the grips of World War Two and the Thames skyline ablaze with the
light from German bombs.
A New Life in The New Town
by Marion Hancock
New Town 'pioneers' Marion Hancock and her husband moved to Basildon in December 1956. With
half finished houses, muddy streets and no town centre to speak of; her
first impressions were mixed. Determined to settle and make a go of it, she then took
a job as a 'cub' reporter on a local newspaper.
New Town Reporter
by Marion Hancock
The second part of Marion's new town story sees her working for the Laindon/Basildon Recorder
newspaper. From their headquarters, then based at 70 High Road, Laindon, she quickly learnt the
main points of good journalism. Covering everything from Royal and prime ministerial visits, to
celebrity shop openings, she witnessed first hand Basildon's transition into a modern town.
My Memories
by Martin Twelftree
Memories from the late 1950s of unmade roads in Vange, Firman's Dairies, the shops in Laindon
High Road, and the Publicans wheelchair race to the Crown at Langdon Hills.
Langdon Hills Memories 1943 - 1971
by Gilbert Ager
Langdon Hills born Gilbert Ager arrived during world war two in a bungalow built by his father
and grandfather in Alexander Road. He lived there for the next 28 years until the Basildon
Development Corporation bought the property to create a playing field for the new Lincewood
Infant & Junior school. He vividly describes the area, including the High Road and its many
shops, his time spent at the Langdon Hills primary and Laindon High Road schools, and much more.
My Memories of Langdon Hills
by Lilian Mead
Lilian's childhood memories of Langdon Hills during the 1940s to 1951.
Pitsea and Langdon Hills
by John Brooker
Pitsea and Langdon Hills memories from the 1940s to 1956.
Newby in Laindon
by Andy C.
Memories from the 1980s.
A Teenager in Basildon
by Mike Fruin
Mike moved from Romford to Basildon in 1955 and lived at Danbury Down. He recalls the towns'
early days and growing up as a teenager when there were few entertainment opportunities.
Memories of Vange, London Road and Pitsea Market
by Sylvia
1950s recollections of London Road, Vange and the original Pitsea Market.
Memories of Langdon Hills
by Pam Watson
Memories of Langdon Hills including Cottis the bakers and Pepperell's newsagent.
Billericay to the Laindon Hills and back to Billericay Edited by Percy Lindley
Taken from the book "New Holidays in Essex" published in 1892, is this word for word account of a 'walking
route' from Billericay to the Laindon Hills and back. Much description is given to the splendid
views seen from the Crown Inn and various other landmarks on the journey.
Text written 2002 with revisions 2002-2008.
Description copyright © 2002-2008, Basildon History Online. All rights reserved.
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Basildon Stories |
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