
Discover Thurrock
The Borough of Thurrock covers approximately 64 square miles and, like many areas across the country, has an extremely varied collection of residential areas.
From the rural, Domesday-listed Horndon-on-the-Hill to the 1990s-built Chafford Hundred, choosing a place to live can be difficult for those not familiar with the area.
Many commuters to London choose to settle in Grays, the largest town in the Borough, due to its easy train line into the city. However, Grays itself also comes with more variation; the Victorian streets in the town centre enjoy walkable amenities, whilst 1950s Stifford Clays has its choice of multiple parks.

Echoes of the Past
Many of the towns and villages in Thurrock are of ancient origin. Many stretch back to the Saxon period (and beyond), and are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The name itself is believed to derive from the Saxon word ‘Turruc’ meaning the bottom of a ship where water collects, referring to the winding shape of the Thames around the borough.
Some villages still retain the name of their Saxon lords, chiefs, and families. One example of many; Fobbing means ‘the settlement of the people of Fobba’. Later, Grays takes its name from Henry de Grai, a Norman lord who was granted the manor by Richard the Lionheart in 1195.
Historical Events
Thurrock can also lay claim to many important historical events.
The 1381 Peasant’s Revolt was sparked by the peasants of Fobbing, Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope. Of the 145 rebels named as ringleader in the Essex uprising, no fewer than 28 came from Fobbing: recorded as being “an astonishing number for a tiny village at the world’s end out on the Marshes.”
In 1558, a large army under Queen Elizabeth I were camped at Tilbury to defend London and England should the Spanish Armada defeat our navy. As we know our navy were supremely victorious (and lucky with the weather). At Tilbury, Queen Elizabeth I gave her rousing speech to the troops that has gone down in history, “I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king; and a king of England too.”
Landmarks
Many structures have survived centuries to stand as reminders of Thurrock’s history. The Woolmarket, Horndon’s 16th century market hall, is a lasting monument to the medieval wealth of East Anglia which rested on the wool trade.
Sleepers Farm at the top of Chadwell Hill dates back to the 15th century. It gets its name from the Sleeper family who lived in Chadwell in the 14th and 15th century.
Tilbury Fort was begun in the reign of Henry VIII . The present building was built between 1670 and 1683 with a magnificent gatehouse facing the river Thames.
Coalhouse Fort is a fine example of a Victorian fort built in 1861-74 to protect the Thames and London from invasion.
This is but a brief tour of our borough, there is so much more to discover at either of these websites.
www.thurrock-history.org.uk – Historical society
www.thurrock.gov.uk – Museum
Local amenities
Nearby Places
Whilst within an easy commute to London, the many amenities in Thurrock can save you the travel time. For shopping, look no further than Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock. As well as a variety of shops, there is a plethora of restaurants, activities and a VUE cinema.
There is also a wide choice of schools in the borough and even more to come with the imminent completion of Orsett Heath Academy and further development to Treetops School. Treetops has been rated outstanding by Ofsted, as has the Harris Academy in Chafford Hundred.