Time Will Tell uncovers Basildon’s often unknown story…
ATF is grateful to have partnered with Heritage Fund UK to deliver “Time Will Tell”, an exciting project during 2024 which has helped local children, families and young people discover lots of amazing heritage sites across the Basildon area, through a range of exciting new heritage trails, a schools resource pack and audible memories from those who’ve spent their lives in the town.
This project follows ATF’s previous Heritage funded projects “We Were There” and “People Like Us”, which share the memories, experiences and hopes of local people across South Essex.
ATF have been thrilled to work with key local partners through the project including Northlands Primary School, Millhouse Primary School, Basildon Heritage, Essex Records office and Wat Tyler Education Team to name a few.
Feel free to get in touch with any questions, comments or suggestions using the form at the bottom of this page.
Memories of Basildon in earlier times
Do you (or someone you know) have any personal memories of Basildon that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page or email: heritage@atfcommunity.com
Basildon might seem an unlikely place to discover a wealth of fascinating history dating back millennia…
However, nestled among the brutalist style buildings and sprawling mid-twentieth century housing estates, lie ancient secrets that often go undiscovered.
This is perhaps reflective of the no nonsense, down to earth approach of the town. Yet, this unassuming backdrop of the new town provides a unique contrast to the wonder of so many historic local treasures which sit quietly, waiting to be noticed.
From the remnants of medieval moated houses, to traces of the forgotten farms which gave their names to newly established neighbourhoods and roads, the area is filled with visual clues and markers, pointing to an ancient past.
An Anglo-Saxon Moot Hill was located at East Thorpe, while a 1,000-year-old Yew tree in Great Burstead was already around sixty years old when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings!
The ancient and mysterious Coombe Wood in Langdon Hills was home to the Iron Age Trinovantes who are said to have been the most powerful tribe when Julius Ceaser invaded Britain in 55-54BC, and flint arrow heads have been found nearby, which are said to date from 10,000 BC, when Britain was joined to mainland Europe before rising sea levels established us as an island.
Basildon’s rich, but largely unassuming heritage and identity seems closely linked with its present and future. Unique and beloved “Plotlands” communities, where Londoners once escaped the stresses of city life have now been swept away, but newer generations continue to call Basildon home.
What might the future hold for our town? Will it eventually become known as the London Borough of Basildon as the capital city continues to expand outwards, or will Basildon become its own distinct city?
One thing is sure – only time will tell…
6 new heritage trails exploring Basildon’s amazing history
Experience historic discoveries in you local area while exploring one of 6 new heritage trails across Basildon. These first edition trails are designed to be a taster, which can inspire you to discover more of Basildon’s rich and fascinating history. Feel free to share any questions, comments, or suggestions using the form at the bottom of this page.
*Trails are not to scale and are intended as a general guide only, not an exact representation. Official maps can assist along the way. Trails may involve steep/uneven ground which may be affected by weather.
Use care and sense when exploring. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear (trails may be wet/ uneven/ muddy); take refreshments; you may wish to go with someone you know and trust; stay on public land; be alert and take care around other pedestrians and traffic; Under 18s should be supervised; take a phone with you and let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Trail 1 of 6: Ancient Langdon Hills is available to view/download as a PDF here
Location: Langdon Hills Beacon Field area, off Dry Street
Trail 4 of 6: The secrets of Honeypot Lane is available to view/download as a PDF here
Location: Town centre end of Whitmore Way / Ghyllgrove / Festival Leisure Park
Trail 2 of 6: St Nicholas Church hills is available to view/download as a PDF here
Location: St Nicholas Church area, Laindon
Trail 5 of 6: Forgotten farms is available to view/download as a PDF here
Location: Whitmore Way / Jolly Friar & Cranes Farm Road
Trail 3 of 6: A Dragon, a Moat, and a Massive Onion! is available to view/download as a PDF here
Location: Holy Cross Church / Church Rd / Cranes Farm Rd
Trail 6 of 6: A Hoard of Hidden Halls! is available to view/download as a PDF here
Location: East Thorpe and area, close to town centre
Discovery Activity Pack resource for primary schools
The Time Will Tell Discovery activity pack has been developed as a resource for primary schools to learn more about Basildon’s fascinating history, and can be used alongside the six new Time Will Tell heritage trails. Download a PDF copy of the Discovery Activity Pack here
Please contact heritage@atfcommunity.com if you would like a copy of the Discovery activity pack in PowerPoint format.
Resources to discover more about Basildon’s heritage…
Basildon Heritage Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064524079058
Basildon Heritage website: http://www.basildonheritage.org.uk/
Laindon & District Community Archive: https://www.laindonhistory.org.uk/
Basildon Memories Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/basildonmemories
Southend Museums have some great exhibitions showcasing amazing historic finds from across South Essex including areas of Basildon: https://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/
The National Library of Scotland website allows you to “overlay” old maps of Basildon with how it looks today: https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/
