West Thurrock: A Guide to Its History and Places

West Thurrock has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. The area was a major crossing point over the Thames River.

The Romans built a bridge here, which was later replaced by a medieval ferry. This crossing point played a crucial role in the area's development.

West Thurrock's strategic location made it an important hub for trade and commerce. The area's proximity to the river allowed for easy transportation of goods.

Today, visitors can still see remnants of the area's industrial past, including old warehouses and factories.

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West Thurrock has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was once an independent parish, but over the years, it has undergone significant changes.

In 1894, West Thurrock became part of Orsett Rural District, marking the beginning of its transformation into a modern community. This change had a lasting impact on the area.

The parish's population grew steadily, reaching 5,153 in 1931.

West Thurrock was an ancient parish that had a significant transformation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 1894, West Thurrock became part of Orsett Rural District, marking the beginning of its transition from a small parish to a larger administrative area.

The parish's population was 5,153 in 1931, giving us a glimpse into its size and growth during this period.

In 1929, the parish merged with Aveley and South Ockendon to form Purfleet Urban District, creating a new local government entity.

On 1 April 1936, the parish and Purfleet Urban District were abolished, and Thurrock Urban District was formed in their place, bringing an end to this era of local government changes.

The ancient civilization of Mesopotamia was marked by significant achievements in governance, with the Code of Hammurabi being one of the earliest surviving examples of written laws.

The invention of the wheel around 4000 BCE revolutionized transportation and trade in ancient civilizations.

The construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza around 2580 BCE showcased the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians.

The Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE saw the defeat of the Persian Empire by the forces of Alexander the Great, marking a significant turning point in world history.

The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 CE marked the end of a long period of Pax Romana, or Roman peace.

Historical Geography is a fascinating topic, and in this section, we'll take a closer look at some interesting facts.

West Thurrock was a member of the Chafford Hundred, which gives us a glimpse into its historical context.

The Chafford Hundred was likely a group of settlements or towns that worked together for mutual benefit, but the exact nature of this arrangement is unclear.

This kind of historical geography helps us understand how communities developed and interacted with one another over time.

Here's a brief overview of the Chafford Hundred:

West Thurrock is home to the iconic Lakeside Shopping Centre, built on the site of a former chalk quarry owned by Tunnel Cement. This bustling shopping destination is a must-visit for anyone in the area.

The parish church in West Thurrock, now redundant, played a significant role in the filming of the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. Its history and architecture make it a notable landmark in the area.

Belmont Castle, a stunning neo-Gothic mansion, was built in West Thurrock in 1795 but unfortunately met its demise in 1943 to make way for a chalk quarry.

West Thurrock is home to the Lakeside Shopping Centre, which was built on the site of a chalk quarry owned by Tunnel Cement.

The parish church in West Thurrock, now redundant, was used for the funeral scene in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Belmont Castle, a neo-Gothic mansion, stood in West Thurrock from 1795 until its demolition in 1943 to make way for a chalk quarry.

West Thurrock's history is marked by the construction and demolition of notable buildings, leaving behind a unique landscape.

Manors are grand estates that have been a staple of European history for centuries. They were typically built by wealthy landowners to showcase their status and power.

The architecture of manors was often designed to be imposing and majestic, with features like grand halls, ornate gardens, and high ceilings. These structures were meant to impress guests and visitors.

Some manors were built with defensive features, such as moats and walls, to protect the inhabitants from potential threats. The security of the manor was a top priority for its owners.

The layout of manors often included separate areas for different activities, such as a kitchen, a dining room, and a library. This allowed for a sense of separation and organization within the estate.

Many manors were built in rural areas, where the owners could enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. The natural surroundings often influenced the design of the manor, with features like gardens and courtyards incorporated into the architecture.

West Thurrock has a rich history of industry along the Thames. The area is home to a Unilever chilled distribution centre that supplies chilled food products to the entire UK.

One of the most notable industrial sites in the area is the Procter & Gamble plant, which manufactures detergents and soaps. This plant has a long history, dating back to when it was originally Hedley's.

The large coal-burning West Thurrock Power Station was a major contributor to the local industry, but it closed in 1993. The site was later replaced by a plant that produces industrial chemicals, particularly the raw materials for detergent manufacture.

You can still see the remnants of the old power station in the form of the 190 metre tall electricity pylons of 400 kV Thames Crossing, the tallest in the UK. These pylons are a striking feature of the local landscape.

West Thurrock was also once home to a thriving chalk quarrying and cement making industry. Companies like Brooks, Gibbs & Co., and Wouldham Cement were all part of this industry, but they have largely disappeared.

Today, the only remaining evidence of this industry is the Lafarge works below the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. A new plant for the production of aluminous cement was completed in 2003, marking a new chapter in the area's industrial history.

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West Thurrock is home to a dedicated local government team that works tirelessly to keep the community running smoothly.

The Thurrock Council is responsible for providing essential services such as waste collection, street cleaning, and park maintenance.

A key player in the council is the Thurrock Local Authority, which works closely with other local organizations to address community needs and concerns.

The council's headquarters is located in the heart of Grays, the administrative center of Thurrock.

Residents of West Thurrock can reach out to the council's customer services team for assistance with issues such as council tax, benefits, and planning applications.

Thurrock Council also operates a range of community centers and libraries, providing a hub for local people to access information, services, and social activities.

The council's website offers a wealth of information on local services, news, and events, making it easy for residents to stay informed and engaged.

West Thurrock's geography can be explored through various maps, including OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, and StreetMap, which provide detailed views of the area centred on OS grid reference TQ584785.

These maps allow you to see the town's layout and surrounding areas in a clear and interactive way. You can also use OpenStreetMap to view all places within the same township/parish, as well as nearby townships/parishes and places.

Here are some online map resources to explore West Thurrock's geography:

Marshes and Defences are crucial features in our geography, often found near rivers and coastlines. Marshes are wetland areas that can be found along rivers, where the land is low-lying and prone to flooding.

One key function of marshes is to act as a natural defence against flooding. The dense vegetation and muddy terrain of marshes help to absorb excess water, reducing the risk of flooding downstream.

In coastal areas, marshes can also provide important protection against storms and high tides. The wetland areas help to dissipate wave energy, reducing the impact of storms on nearby communities.

Defences like seawalls and levees are often built to protect communities from the sea. These structures can be made from materials like concrete, stone, or earth, and are designed to withstand the forces of the ocean.

In some cases, marshes can actually be used as a natural defence system, by allowing the sea to flood in and then slowly draining the water back out. This can be a more sustainable and cost-effective approach than building traditional defences.

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Maps can be a great way to visualize geographic locations and get a sense of the surrounding area. You can view maps centred on specific locations, such as OS grid reference TQ584785, which corresponds to West Thurrock.

The OpenStreetMap provides detailed maps of the area, showing all places within the same township/parish. Nearby townships/parishes and places are also visible on the map.

If you're looking for historical maps, the National Library of Scotland offers old Ordnance Survey maps, and Old Maps Online is another useful resource. Vision of Britain also provides historical maps, with a click on "Historical units & statistics" revealing administrative areas.

You can compare maps from different sources, such as Google Maps, StreetMap, and Bing (formerly Multimap). GeoHack links to online maps and location-specific services, making it a useful tool for researchers.

Here are some popular map providers you can use:

These maps can be useful for a variety of purposes, from planning a trip to researching historical events.

West Thurrock is a parish adjoining Grays Thurrock on the west. It's a small but significant part of the larger area.

The church in West Thurrock is interesting, to say the least.

West Thurrock has plenty to offer, and here are some things to do in the area.

You can visit the Thames Barrier, a series of gates that protects London from flooding.

The area is also home to the famous West Thurrock Services, a large motorway service station with a wide range of amenities.

Take a short walk from the services and you'll find the Thames River, which offers beautiful views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

The nearby Thameside Nature Reserve is a great place to explore and learn about the local ecosystem.

If you're looking for something more adventurous, you can take a boat trip along the Thames, which offers a unique perspective on the area.

West Thurrock has a variety of shops and restaurants, including a large Tesco superstore and a range of independent cafes.