Billericay

Billericay is an old established town with a population of some 35,000 people and is situated about 26 miles north-east of London in the southern part of the county of Essex, 6 miles east of Brentwood, 6 miles north of Basildon and 7 miles south of Chelmsford.

Located on the highest ground in the area it was the natural vantage point for a settlement. Evidence of Stone and Bronze Age habitats has been found locally and Norsey Woods contains burial mounds which are evident to this day but perhaps the Roman influence is more visible.

The town lies on a direct line from London to the coast and being on high ground was a natural choice for fortification, again Norsey Woods has pathways or rides of Roman construction. This ancient woodland once was the home of wild deer but now contains local fauna and flora. In 1837 over 500 men were massacred in Norsey Woods following the Peasant's Revolt resulting from the Poll Tax introduced by Richard the Second.

Perhaps the town is most famous as the place from which some of the Pilgrim Fathers started their journey to the new world to escape from religious persecution. They left Plymouth in September 1620 and made the journey to America but unfortunately all the Billericay people died from illness during the first winter. There is a plaque attached to the wall of 91 High Street stating that Independent Protestant Dissenters first met there in 1672.

The town grew as transport improved and had several coaching inns that today are public houses, the road from London to Harwich was long and fresh horses were needed to continue the journey.

There are several old "listed" buildings in Billericay and some fine churches serving all denominations. Many community "open spaces" exist - Mill Meadows, an old communal pasture land, Lake Meadows Park with its large boating lake, tennis courts, bowling greens, miniature golf course and other leisure facilities and Hannakins Farm Leisure Centre.

The town boasts very successful Football, Rugby, Tennis and Cricket Clubs, has several excellent Golf Courses, a Swimming Pool and a very active Running Club. Innumerable organisations and associations cater for practically every interest.

Although there is a light industry estate near to the railway station the High Street is the centre of commerce with many banks, financial businesses, estate agents and food stores. However the majority of the working population commute to London a journey of approximately 32 minutes.

The schools in Billericay provide a high standard of education for all ages from infants to adults some of which are Grant Maintained whilst others look to Local Education Authority for support.

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