Basildon
Basildon was created as a new town after World War II in 1948, to accommodate the London population overspill from the merger of four small villages, namely Pitsea, Laindon, Basildon (the most central of the four) and Vange. It lies 26 miles east of Central London. Other new towns which were created were Stevenage, Harlow, Hemel Hempstead and Bracknell in Berkshire.
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If you enjoy mid-century architecture, you’ll be won over by St Martin’s Church (SS14 1DX) and Brooke House (SS14 1HY), which is raised on v-shaped pylons and leads down to the sunken East Square via a grand staircase.
As a relatively younger aged commuter town, much of Basildon’s appeal comes from its family attractions. Barleylands is a farm centre and craft village (CM11 2UD), while the Wat Tyler Country Park (SS16 4UH) has a charming Village Green with historic cottages moved from the site of Stansted Airport (CM24 1QW).
Other things to see in Basildon
Dutch Cottage – at 33 Crown Hill, Rayleigh, SS6 7HQ sits the smallest and oldest council house in the UK. It is a Grade II listed building. Octagonal in shape, Rochford District Council allowed the cottage to have tenants in 2008 for £75 per week rent. The condition was that the tenants would make the property available for pre-arranged guided tours every Wednesday afternoon. The chimney rises through the centre of the cottage with the accomodation built around it. Access to the first floor is via a ladder and the kitchen is a squeeze. Tours are booked via the local council. It’s definitely something a little unusual.
Ask a local what Basildon is famous for and they might reply “Festival Leisure” – it’s the place to go with a nightclub, cinema, around 14 eating venues and drinking spots, adventure golf and the infamous “Legends”; play, game and karaoke singing booths!
RSPB, Bowers March, Church Road, Bowers Gifford, Basildon, UK
If you’re in Basildon and need legal help, try these divorce solicitors:
Palmers Solicitors, 19 Town Square, Basildon, SS14 1BD- “‘Palmers has a strong reputation as a forward thinking and energetic organisation, offering high levels of specialist advice.”
Birkett Long LLP, Phoenix House, Christopher Martin Rd, Basildon, SS14 3EZ – “At Birkett Long, we understand that contacting a solicitor can seem like a daunting process. That’s why we try to make it as stress-free and as straightforward as possible.”
Anthony King – “The family department consists of a team of legal advisors able to deal with any aspect of family law” and they also have a contract for Legal Aid for Family Law. You will need to see if you are eligible.
You can find more information about Legal Aid within this article.
What’s the difference between a Civil Partnership and Marriage?
In 2019 the Civil Partnership (opposite Sex Couples) Regulation 2019 allowed opposite-sex partners to also enter into civil partnerships. This made everything equal for both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. A man and woman no longer have to get married; they can enter into an agreement without saying vows. A civil partnership is formed by signing the civil partnership document in front of witnesses and a registrar.
As of December 31st 2019 both sets of couples could enter into a civil partnership. Civil Partnerships were originally introduced in the early 2000’s by the Civil Partnership Act 2004 for same-sex couples, to “bridge the gap” before the law around same-sex marriage was introduced. The act finally enabled same-sex couples to form a legal bond similar to a marriage and have the same rights around things such as inheritance.
How does the rest of the world look at Marriages and Civil Partnerships?
Every country is different, and although opposite-sex marriages are recognised internationally, the same can’t be said for same-sex marriages or indeed for civil partnerships between any couple. It all depends on the laws of the country you are in. So it’s worth considering, if you are an opposite-sex couple, that it might be more beneficial to go into a marriage as it’s world recognised. For same-sex couples, unfortunately the world still needs to catch up on marriage or civil partnership. Read our in-depth article on Divorce and Dissolution
If you are going through a life changing situation, don’t forget to take stock of your financial situation. Get advice from a financial adviser or planner.
- Paragon Independent Financial Advisors, Cornwallis House, Howard Chase, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3BB
- Future Life Capital – 24 Hemmells, Basildon, Essex SS15 6ED “Money has no real meaning or value, until translated into a life event or purpose. So, we set about getting to know you, by asking questions such as, where you are in your life, how you got there, and what you want from the future.”
- Hutchinson Financial Planning Ltd, Unit 1, Steeple View Farm, Dunton Road, Laindon SS15 4DB
