Happy TravellerWelcome to Rochford, a charming town and civil parish located in the Rochford District of Essex, England. With a population of 8,471, Rochford is a small but vibrant community that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich heritage, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply relaxing in a picturesque setting, Rochford has something for everyone.
History:
Rochford takes its name from Rochefort, Old English for ‘Ford of the Hunting Dogs’. The town runs into suburban developments in the parishes of Ashingdon and Hawkwell. Kings Hill, in Rochford, was notable for containing the Lawless Court up until the 19th century. The town is also home to the Peculiar People, a name taken from Deuteronomy 14:2 and 1 Peter 2:9. The Peculiar People practised a lively form of worship bound by the literal interpretation of the King James Bible, banning both frivolity and medicine. During the two World Wars some were conscientious objectors, believing that war is contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Peculiar People are nowadays known as the Union of Evangelical Churches.
Landmarks:
Rochford Hall is partly privately owned by a family which live within the building, along with the golf course who also own a part of it as their clubhouse. In 1525, Henry VIII awarded Thomas Boleyn the title of Viscount Rochford. Rochford Hall subsequently became the home of Mary Boleyn, sometime mistress of Henry VIII and (probably elder) sister of Queen Anne Boleyn, during Marys second marriage to Sir William Stafford. St Andrews Church, Rochford, is close to Rochford Hall, and is part of Rochford Deanery, within the Bradwell Area of the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsford. Rochford Congregational Church has been part of the local community since 1750. The Congregational Church also established the first Dissenting School in the area; When others were afraid of educating the children of the lower classes because they might prove a danger to the state, the church ensured that ordinary people had a plain and useful education. Rochford Methodist Church, near the White Horse Public House. The Methodists have been in Rochford since 1822, originally meeting in a building where Market Alley turns into the Square. In 1841 they moved to a new building in North Street near Weir Pond Road, and in 1880 they moved to their current premises.
Leisure and Sport:
Rochford Council are in partnership with Virgin Active in running Clements Hall Leisure Centre and Rayleigh Leisure Centre. Rochford Hundred Rugby Club was formed in 1962 and as of 2019 play in London & South East Premier—level 5 of the English rugby union system. Rochford Town Football Club are a non-league side who play in the second division of the Essex Olympian Football League. Rankin’s Cricket Club was established in 1881 and play in the T Rippon Mid Essex League.
Transport:
Trains run from Rochford railway station eastbound to Southend Victoria and westbound to Liverpool Street station in the business district of central London. As a consequence, Rochford has long been popular as a dormitory town for commuters. Southend Airport railway station, which is sited on the eastern boundary of the airport, opened on 18 July 2011. Rochford has bus links to the surrounding towns; routes 7, 8 and 9 travel to Rayleigh and Southend-on-Sea. There are over twenty scheduled flight destinations within Europe available from London Southend Airport.
Whether you’re a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Rochford is the perfect destination for your next trip. Come and discover the many treasures of this charming town and experience the best that England has to offer!
