From the Stone Age to the exciting era of post-war architectural experimentation, Basildon is a town brimming with exciting historical gems just waiting to be explored. Beorhtel’s Dun, as Basildon was originally called, got its name from a Saxon man who owned the hilly country to the north of Holy Cross church. While agriculture was the town’s main industry for many centuries, the invention of the railway and two world wars soon changed all that. During the post-war building boom, Basildon was earmarked for a makeover as a New Town, and the Basildon we see today came to be. From old town to new, Basildon has undergone some incredible changes over the last century. Basildon Through Time explores the town’s history and recent transformation, drawing on the Basildon Borough Heritage Group’s extensive collection of images.
Originally a collection of villages in Essex, Basildon was developed as a new town after the Second World War in 1949. The last seventy years have seen incredible changes take place. New residents started to move in during the 1950s as the first homes were completed and, alongside the new housing, the town attracted businesses to its industrial parks, many of them household names such as Ford, Gordon’s gin and GEC Marconi, as well as leading the way in new retailing with the largest covered shopping centre in Europe when it was built in the 1980s. Further regeneration of the town is planned, and the town retains traces of its historical past, as well as green, open spaces. Lost Basildon presents a portrait of this town in Essex, showing not just the buildings, streets and industries that have gone or changed, but also a way of life that is no longer. This fascinating photographic history of lost Basildon will appeal to all those who live in the town or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades.
Do you think you know Essex? Take a fresh look through fourteen pairs of eyes. Fourteen local writers take us on a trail of hope, horror and myth in It Happened in Essex 2 as they once again donate all the profits from this latest book to Basildon Hospital Radio. Personal memories, fictional accounts of real events, and some that will keep you guessing. You will not be disappointed – the members of Basildon Writers’ Group have over 100 published novels and anthologies between them. The group’s first book, It Happened In Essex was published in 2020 to acclaim from TV star Richard Madeley, the local MP, the Mayor of Basildon, and veteran radio DJ ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton, among many others. It also achieved a remarkable 4.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon reviews. Now, It Happened In Essex 2 aims to beat the previous contributions to Basildon Hospital Radio, which is run by a team of dedicated volunteers 24/7. It is funded by initiatives such as this, keeping Basildon Hospital Radio on air for patients, relatives, and staff. It Happened In Essex 2 – will you recognise all the locations? Buy the book for yourself or as a gift, and take the challenge today.