Basildon is a town in the county of Essex, England. The town has a rich history that dates back to the Iron Age, when it was a small settlement located near the River Thames.
The first recorded mention of Basildon was in the Domesday Book, a survey of England and Wales that was completed in 1086. In the book, the town is referred to as “Berdlesdon” and is described as having a church, a mill, and a small number of houses. At this time, the town was part of the Hundred of Barstable, a local administrative area.
During the Middle Ages, Basildon grew in size and importance. The town became a center of agriculture and trade, and its population increased. Many of the buildings in the town were built during this period, including the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which was constructed in the 12th century.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Basildon was a popular destination for wealthy Londoners who wanted to escape the city and enjoy the countryside. The town became known for its beautiful landscapes and the quality of its produce, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Basildon continued to grow and prosper. The town was a major center of the agricultural and brewing industries, and many of its residents were employed in these fields. The population of the town increased significantly during this period, and many new houses and buildings were constructed.
In the 20th century, Basildon experienced rapid growth and development. The town was designated as a New Town in 1949, and its population grew rapidly as people moved to the area to take advantage of the new housing and job opportunities.
Today, Basildon is a thriving town with a population of over 100,000 people. The town is known for its modern shopping centers, cultural attractions, and sports facilities, and it continues to be a popular place to live and work. Despite its rapid growth and development, Basildon remains proud of its rich history and heritage.
Famous People from Basildon
Basildon is a town in Essex, England, that has been home to many famous people throughout its history. Some of the most well-known individuals from Basildon include:
Depeche Mode, a British electronic music band that formed in Basildon in 1980. The band is known for their hits “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus,” and they have sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Alison Moyet, a singer and songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the duo Yazoo. Moyet was born and raised in Basildon, and she is known for her solo hits “Love Resurrection” and “All Cried Out.”
Denise Van Outen, an actress and television presenter who was born and raised in Basildon. Van Outen is known for her roles in the West End musical “Chicago” and the TV shows “The Big Breakfast” and “Loose Women.”
Jade Goody, a reality TV star who rose to fame on the third series of the British version of “Big Brother.” Goody was born and raised in Basildon, and she became known for her outgoing and outspoken personality.
Lee Ryan, a singer and actor who rose to fame as a member of the boy band Blue. Ryan was born and raised in Basildon, and he is known for his successful music career and his appearances on various TV shows.
Basildon has a rich history and has been home to many influential and notable individuals. These famous people from Basildon have made significant contributions to a variety of fields.