Wickford

Wickford is a town and civil parish in Essex that lies along the River Crouch within the Borough of Basildon. The center has developed around the historic river crossing and forms a natural focal point between surrounding communities.

Archaeological evidence reveals Roman military occupation through a marching camp at Beauchamps Farm, which later transformed into a villa settlement. Following the Roman period, the area came under Saxon control, as documented in written records from 995 onward.

The name Wickford originates from a Saxon charter of 995, referring to a ford near a wych elm or a dairy farm. This naming reflects how early settlements often grew around water sources and farming activities.

The railway station offers train connections to London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria, reaching the capital in roughly 40 minutes. Being positioned along the river makes the town center easy to navigate on foot with natural landmarks to guide you.

A major flood in the 1950s caused severe damage to the town center, with a double-decker bus partially submerged overnight at Halls Corner. This event shaped local awareness of flood risks and influenced how the community approached future planning.

Location: Basildon

GPS coordinates: 51.61140,0.52070

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:58