Basildon (IPA, ) is a New Town located in south Essex, England at . It was designated as a New Town after World War II in 1948 to accommodate the London population overspill. Basildon was created from four small villages; Pitsea, Laindon, Basildon and Vange. The larger Basildon district was formed in 1974 by the Local Government Act of 1972, and includes two neighbouring towns Billericay and Wickford, as well as rural villages and smaller settlements set among the surrounding countryside. In 2001, the District's population was 166,661.
History
The first historical reference to Basildon is in records from 1086. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book as 'Belesduna'.
The name 'Basildon' means 'Beorhtel's hill' and is derived from the Anglo-Saxon personal name 'Beorhtel' and the Anglo-Saxon word 'dun', meaning hill. In historical documents, this name had various forms over the centuries, including Berdlesdon, Batlesdon & Belesduna.
The constituency of Basildon is thought to be a barometer of public opinion in General Elections. The results of the constituency have been the same as the overall result of the General Election since 1974.
History and politics came together in 1989 when the newly re-opened Towngate Theatre commissioned a community play from Arnold Wesker for the town's 40th anniversary. He chose to create a potted history of Basildon called "Beorhtel's Hill", which referred either to a Saxon hero Beorhtel or, more likely, to a version of the word "bright". (then see "dun" = "hill", above). It was generally very positive about the place and the way it has always been a haven and a "bright hill" for different generations, and to "strangers in our midst". It was quite gentle, a little sentimental, tremendously heartfet (by the 100 or so members of the community who put it on). But it also said some uncomfortable things about the dyed-in-the-wool racism of politicians in the 1970s and this inevitably led to some controversy.
Transport
A significant number of residents commute to London, which is assisted by excellent transport links to the city by rail and by road.
The London, Tilbury & Southend line transects the south of the town. The line is operated by c2c and there are three train stations in the town: Pitsea railway station, Basildon railway station and Laindon railway station. This line connects Basildon to central London via London Fenchurch Street by rail. From Basildon, Fenchurch street can be reached in 35 minutes, Southend in around 20. Basildon is well situated for access into Central London.
On the north side of the town, the A127 Southend Arterial Road is next to Basildon and on the south side is the A13. The A13 allows easy access to the M25 and the rest of the motorway network, placing Stansted within 36 miles, Gatwick within 51 and London City Airport just 25 miles. The A127 and the A13 are both important commuter trunk roads to London and the M25 and in addition, link the town to Southend. Locally, the A13 gives easier access to Pitsea and Vange and the A127 gives more convenient access to the town centre and Laindon. Within the town, many main road names have include, 'mayne,' in their name. Broadmayne goes through the town. There is also a Nethermayne to the west and Southmayne to the south.
Buses provide a local form of public transport and also connect Basildon to nearby towns that are difficult to reach by rail, for example Billericay and Chelmsford. First Essex Buses Ltd is the dominant bus operator in the town.
Shopping
The town centre boasts many High Street chainstores and independent local retailers. As well as shops and coffee houses in East Walk there's the added advantage of Eastgate Shopping Centre which is also situtated in the Town Centre home to over 100 retailers including one of the largest Debenhams department store in the UK. Further outlets can be found at Westgate Shopping park and there is also a pavement market selling fresh fruit and veg, clothing and household goods.
Education
Secondary schools
There are several secondary schools in the Basildon District:
Barstable School & Chalvedon School became federated in 2005 to become The Federation Of Barstable & Chalvedon School. This was initiated by the need to stabilise and improve Barstable School's reputation as a good secondary school.
Twinning
Basildon's twin towns include:
Regeneration Plans
Basildon District is a prosperous business location and has in recent years seen significant inward investment and jobs growth. Throughout Basildon there are major developments planned estimated to total nearly £2 billion. These include:
Coordinating and promoting this programme of investment is the Basildon Renaissance Partnership which was set up in 2003 by Basildon District Council. Its partners also include the East Of England Development Agency, English Partnerships, Essex County Council, and the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership with support from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Festival Leisure Park
Festival Leisure Park is a trading leisure park located in the north of Basildon. It is owned by Norwich Union. The Festival Leisure Park includes several restaurants, a bowling and arcade centre, 2 hotels, a 12-screen cinema, 2 premium health clubs while the green acres of Gloucester Park with its lakes, is just a short stroll away. Festival Leisure Park is affectionately known locally as Bas Vegas.
Famous people
See also
External links
