BILLERICAY METHODIST CHURCHThe Methodist Church orb & cross icon

Our community―Billericay

  

 
 

108 High Street―17th century coaching station

  

Billericay is an historic town that originated during the Roman invasion of 55 BC and 54 BC and several excavations reveal the Roman connection. After the Romans departed in AD 410 the area was ruled by the Saxons and later by the Normans. It was variously described as Byllyrica, Billirica, Billerica, Billyrecha, Billerecay and Bilreaky, among others.

Billericay grew strongly during the 14th and 15th centuries and the population reached 1200, but by 1620 religious persecution led some inhabitants to emigrate to the New World; five locals sailed on the ship Mayflower to Plymouth, Massachusetts.

During the Georgian period (18th century), many fine houses were built in Billericay and several remain to this day.

The next period of major town expansion began after the London to Southend-on-Sea railway opened in 1889. Growth has continued and the population now exceeds 40,000. Over 9,100 journeys start or end at Billericay station each weekday, many of them for work in the City of London.

Billericay is a prosperous town with fine schools and cultural & sporting facilities but many people who would like to live here find houses in the town too expensive to buy. This reflects the town's attraction for commuters, economic prosperity in south-east England and a serious housing shortage in the region.

More about Billericay >>

  

Living in Billericay

HEATHER BLUNT AND HER FAMILY HAVE LIVED IN BILLERICAY FOR 14 YEARS.
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} My husband, David was brought up in Billericay and we have lived here as a family since 1993.

All three of our daughters attended the local Buttsbury infants and junior school and they loved it so much that I joined them—as a part-time teacher for ten years!

Billericay is a great place to bring up a family. When the girls were small we had many picnics at our Lake Meadows park, and they learnt to swim at the pool there.

When they first wanted to go shopping independently in the High Street with their friends, I let them go without worrying. Now they are older they have taken Saturday jobs in High Street cafés.

Over the past few years we have experienced Billericay's great community spirit and heart. When our daughter, Megan was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, we were inundated with cards and offers of help.

Throughout Megan's treatment and recovery we have been wonderfully supported with prayers and practical support from Christians all over Billericay.

Our girls have been involved in youth activities at Billericay Methodist Church and I run the ALF Christian club for 3-12 year olds on Sundays.

We are very lucky to have settled in such a special town.~