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Sights in Rochford
Rochford is a town in Essex, England. The town is located on the River Crouch, and is about 32 miles from London. The town is home to a variety of businesses and industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and retail.
The town has a long history, dating back to the Roman era. Rochford was an important settlement during the Saxon period, and was recorded in the Domesday Book. The town grew significantly during the Industrial Revolution, and became known for its cloth production.
Today, Rochford is a thriving town, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and pubs. The town also has a number of historic buildings and landmarks, including St. Andrew’s Church, Rochford Hall, and the Rochford Hundred Walk.
Rochford is a great place to visit, whether you’re looking to explore the town’s history, do some shopping, or just relax in a pub. There’s something for everyone in Rochford.
History of Rochford
Rochford is a town in the Rochford district of Essex in England. It is about 32 miles (51 km) from London and 3 miles (5 km) from SouthendonSea. Rochford is a former market town and was the administrative centre for Rochford District Council until it was abolished in 2009.
The town is the location of Rochford Hall, the seat of the232 years old Rochford Hundred, an administrative division of Essex. Rochford is also the site of the Wars of the RosesBattle of Bosworth Field in 1485, making it one of the most historically significant towns in Essex.
The name Rochford means ‘Ford by the Roe’, from the Old English words rā and ford. The ford crossing of the River Roch was located near the site of St Andrew’s Church, just upstream from the town centre. It is probable that the first settlement in Rochford was on the south side of the river at this point, as this was highest ground in the area and not subject to flooding.
Early history
The first documentary evidence of the existence of Rochford dates from the time of the Saxon settlements, when it was known as Rochefort. It appears in the Domesday Book as Rochford and Rochefort, with a population of 400–450 households.
Rochford was originally part of the large parish of Prittlewell, which also included what is now known as SouthendonSea. In 1189, when the manor of Prittlewell was granted to Gilbert de Montfichet by Henry II, the parish church of St Andrew’s was built. This suggests that there may have been a earlier Saxon church on the same site.
Rochford became a town in 1281, when it was granted a market charter by Edward I. It was then known as ‘Newtown’, until it was renamed Rochford in 1481. The reason for the change is not known, but it is believed that it was either because the town was in the hundred of Rochford, or because of its close proximity to Rochelle in France.
15th century
In 1485, the Battle of Bosworth Field took place just to the north of Rochford, during the Wars of the Roses. The armies of King Richard III and Henry Tudor (the future Henry VII) clashed near the village of Ambion Hill, in what was to be the last significant battle of the wars. Although the exact site of the battle is not known, it is believed to have been in the fields to the north of the town.
After the battle, Henry Tudor was crowned King of England, and Rochford became an important stop on the road between London and Calais, the main route between England and France. Many of the passengers who stopped in Rochford on their way to or from Calais were nobles and royalty, which helped to raise the town’s profile.
16th–18th centuries
In 1544, Henry VIII built a hunting lodge in Rochford, which was used by both himself and his son, Edward VI. The lodge was demolished in 1650, but some of the original stonework can still be seen in the grounds of Rochford Hall.
During the English Civil War, Rochford was on the frontline, as it was strategically important for controlling the River Thames. In 1642, a bridge was built across the river at Rochford, to prevent the Royalist army from crossing. The bridge was destroyed in 1644, but was rebuilt in 1648.
In 1787, Rochford was the scene of riots, after the town’s corn market was moved to nearby Southend. The riots were so severe that the militia was called in to restore order.
19th century
In 1819, Rochford was designated a separate ecclesiastical parish, with its own parish church of St Andrew’s. Prior to this, the town had been part of the parish of Prittlewell.
In 1838, Rochford Hundred was divided into two parts, East and West. Rochford became the administrative centre for East Rochford Hundred.
In 1839, Rochford was connected to London by rail, with the opening of a branch line from London Bridge.
20th century
In 1965, Rochford was designated a urban district, and in 1974 it became part of the newly created borough of Rochford within Essex County Council.
Rochford District Council was abolished in 2009, and Rochford became part of the larger district of Rochford within Essex County Council.
Today, Rochford is a thriving
Vacation in Rochford
There are many vacation possibilities in the city of Rochford in England. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Rochford is home to a number of parks and gardens, as well as several golf courses. The city also has a number of historical sights, including the Rochford Hundred History Society Museum and the Rochford Tower.
For those who enjoy shopping, Rochford is home to a number of small shops and boutiques, as well as a number of large shopping centres. The city also has a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal or a drink.
No matter what your interests are, Rochford is sure to have something to offer. With its beautiful scenery, its rich history, and its many shops and restaurants, Rochford is the perfect place to spend a vacation.
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