Coordinates: 51°34′56″N 0°42′23″E / 51.5821, 0.7065
- See also: Rochford, Worcestershire
Rochford is a small town in the Rochford district of Essex in the East of England. According to the 2001 census the civil parish of Rochford, which includes the town proper, Stroud Green, and London Southend Airport, had a population of 7,610.
History
The town is the main settlement in the Rochford district, and takes its name from Rochefort, Old English for Ford of the Hunting Dogs. The River Roach was originally called the Walfleet (Creek of the foreigners). It was renamed the Roach in what is known as a back formation. This is where it is assumed that Rochford means ford over the River Roach so they renamed the river to fit the theory. The town runs into suburban developments in the parishes of Ashingdon and Hawkwell.
Second world war
The Area currently occupied by Southend Airport was used as a fighter station in World War I[1]
During World War II Southend Airport was requisitioned by the Air ministry in August 1939[2] for use as a fighter airfield for the No.11 Group RAF. Rochford was a satellite station for Horndon airfield and was primarily a fighter base home, mainly to Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane aircraft. Rochford airfield was accompanied by a radar base in Canewdon (around 4 miles away.) It was returned to civilian service on 31 December 1946[1].
Due to this fact Rochford was bombed a number of times.
Lesneys
Until the early 1980s one of the largest employers in Rochford was the Lesneys factory, who manufactured the famous Matchbox miniature die cast model. However, this company relocated to Rugby, Warwickshire in 1990.
Geography
The town is just to the north of Southend on Sea, but is sufficiently separated from both Southend and Rayleigh to preserve its own identity.
Governance
The Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East is James Duddridge (Conservative).
Landmarks
There is a Hall in Rochford which is privately owned by a family which live within the building, along with the golf course who also own a part of it. In 1380 Henry IV was married there. In 1525, Henry VIII awarded Thomas Boleyn the title of Viscount Rochford.
Transport
It is close to Rochford railway station from which trains run to Southend Victoria and to Liverpool Street station in the business district of central London. In consequence it has long been popular as a dormitory town for commuters.
It also has good bus links to the surrounding towns. The Number 7 and 9 service going to both Rayleigh and Southend, and the number 8 going to Hockley and Southend.
Notable people
External links
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