It was created as a new town after World War II in 1948, to accommodate the London population overspill from the conglomeration of four small villages, namely Pitsea, Laindon, Basildon (the most central of the four) and Vange.

What is Basildon known for?

Basildon may be a little town in South Essex, but we've got world champions to be proud of. Locals know how great it is to have the Sporting Village nearby, which served as a training camp for the 2012 London Olympic Games. And when five-time Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock trains in the town, you can't help but be proud.

Who built Basildon?

In February 1949 the government appointed Basildon Development Corporation was formed; its task, to transform the designated area into a modern new town. Under the chairmanship of Sir Lancelot Keay a Master Plan was drawn up for an expected population of 80,000, though this was later revised to 106,000.