Wickford
| Wickford | |
|---|---|
| Population | 32,500 |
| OS grid reference | TQ746932 |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WICKFORD |
| Postcode district | SS11 and SS12 |
| Dialling code | 01268 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | |
Wickford is a town in the South of the English county of Essex, with a population of more than 32,500. It has become a commuter town, serving the City of London through its direct connection to London Liverpool Street through the Southend Victoria line.
Wickford is approximately 30 miles (50km) East of London and can be reached via the road network, or by train (taking about 35 minutes). Wickford falls within the District of Basildon along with Basildon and Billericay.
Geography
For the most part Wickford is flat and 10 metres above sea level. The highest point, on the outskirts of the town, is 74 metres above sea level. The River Crouch flows through the town, from the west to the east. The River Wick flows into the River Crouch from the South.
History
The town has existed since before 975. There is evidence that the area itself was inhabited in prehistoric, Roman and Saxon times. Wickford was referred to in the Domesday Book as both Wicfort and Wincfort[1].
Before the 20th century Wickford was an agricultural village.
American relations
It is believed that the Wickford in Washington County, Rhode Island, USA is named after this English town after a woman called Elizabeth Reade who married John Winthrop, a Governor of Connecticut.
Both John Kerry and George W. Bush have a common ancestor from the town, Elizabeth Reade's father Edmund Reade (ca.1563-1623/4).
Naked Britain
Wickford became the birthplace of Naturism in the United Kingdom. In 1922 the English Gymnosophist Society was formed and had its home in the town.
The Second World War
During The Second World War the edge of town was hit by one of the German Doodlebugs.
Around the town, in amongst the hedgerows and fields, there are numerous Pillboxes constructed as a part of British anti-invasion preparations.
The flood of '58
In 1958 Wickford town centre was hit by a flood, which made national news headlines. The most striking image of the flood was a double decker bus, left stranded at Halls Corner overnight, partly submerged by the floodwater. A second bad flood in 1960 meant changes to the course of the River Crouch were made. This included turning the river into a concrete channel through the centre of the town, although this may be removed in the coming years, depending on the scale of the Wickford Masterplan (see below).
Redevelopment
An early development was completed in early 2006, but work to start the main part of the redevelopment has begun, starting with a major redevelopment of Lower Southend Road. All businesses on one side of this road will be demolished to make way for 200 flats, along with cafes, restaurants, and a public green space and public square. Work began to demolish the first buildings in February 2007.
The River Crouch, which runs through the town, will also be redeveloped as part of the project, with proposals to remove the concrete banks and raise the water level to promote the riverside cafes, and to create a footpath along the river itself.
The swimming pool is proposed to be demolished and rebuilt as a large leisure centre, while the library and health centre will be demolished and amalgamated into one large new building. Redevelopments of the station area are also planned, such as improving facilities and improving access on both sides of the station. The current market site is proposed for redevelopment in the near future, with the market moving to the High Street and becoming a 'niche' market.
Barn Hall housing development plans
In October 2006, plans were unveiled to develop 1,500 homes with shops and other amenities on green-belt land to the north of Wickford, in an area commonly known as Barn Hall. Previous schemes over a number of years to develop the land have all been rejected. However an administration error between Basildon District Council and Government meant the land was not declared green-belt, and therefore liable to development[citation needed]. There has been opposition to the plans, with many worried about the loss of biodiversity, and the fears of increased traffic.
Neighbouring Towns and villages
- South Hanningfield
- West Hanningfield
- Rettendon
- Runwell
- Battlesbridge
- Rawreth
- Crays Hill
- Ramsden Bellhouse
- Ramsden Heath
- Downham
- Shotgate
- South Woodham Ferrers
- Billericay
- Basildon
- Rayleigh
Notable people from the area
- Chris Lovell was noted for raping many sheep in his quest to to happiness
- Alvin Stardust's mother used to own and run a café just outside of Wickford railway station. Alvin, himself, worked on a building site in Wickford before he was famous.
- Edmund Reade is a member of the minor Essex gentry. Said to be a common ancestor of John Kerry and George W. Bush.
- Chantelle Houghton, winner of Celebrity Big Brother 2006 lives in Wickford.
- Capital Radio Afternoon DJ Chris Brooks lives in Wickford.
- Southend United's manager Steve Tilson. Former Southend forward Freddy Eastwood previously lived at a travellers site on the edge of Wickford before he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2007.
- Josh Batch, the first British-raised ice hockey player to play in the NHL[citation needed]. Drafted 1st overall by the Washington Capitals in the NHL Entry Draft[citation needed].
- Lauren McAvoy - Winner of Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 3
External links
- Basildon District Council - Early History of Wickford
- Wickford - White's Directory of Essex, 1848
- Guardian Unlimited - Candidates have same Essex ancestor
- BBC People's War - Memories of Wickford during the Second World War
- [2] - Wickford at h2g2 written by a Researcher who lives there.