History

Recent History

Since 2001, Gloucester Park has hosted the annual Basildon Festival - a winner with rock hopefuls thanks to the Battle of the Bands. It also features dance displays as well as an 'I love Basildon' competition for kids.

Modern Day History

The epitome of 'new town', Basildon was developed to accommodate the overspill of London's population after WWII. Made up of three pre-existing towns - Pitsea, Laindon and Vange - the surrounding landscape was transformed from country fields to an urban community in a short space of time.

In the centre of town, Gloucester Park was named after the Duke of Gloucester, who declared the park open in 1957. In the 1970s, a huge artificial lake was constructed within its grounds.

In 1974, the local government established the Greater Basildon district - taking Billericay and Wickford under its hat.

Basildon's big claim to fame is Depeche Mode - the band formed here in 1980. One of the most successful groups to emerge from the 80s, Depeche Mode began as David Gahan, Martin Gore, Andrew Fletcher and Vince Clarke. Clarke left the band after their 1981 debut album was released and was replaced by Alan Wilder, who stayed until 1995. Gahan, Gore and Fletcher have continued to perform as a trio. Here's hoping they've changed their hairstyles.

In 1989, the Towngate Theatre commissioned Arnold Wesker to write a play for Basildon's 40th anniversary. He created Beorhtel's Hill, a generally positive history of the community. Controversy arose, however, over his reference to the racism of politicians during the 1970s.

Pre 20th Century History

'Basildon' is derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Beorhtel and the word dun (hill). Over time, variations have included Berdlesdon and Batlesdon. The earliest historical reference to Basildon was in 1086, when the Domesday Book recorded the town as 'Belesduna'.

Until 1949, Basildon was a small village nestled around the 14th-century Holy Cross Church at the foot of the Laindon Hills.