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Billericay in Essex County England History and GeographyBILLERICAY, a market town and chapelry in the parish of GREAT BURSTEAD, hundred of BARSTABLE, county of ESSEX, 9½ miles (S.S.W.) from Chelmsford, and 24 (E.N.E.) from London. The population is returned with the parish. The name, anciently Belenca, is of uncertain derivation, and of the history of the place, few particulars of importance are recorded. From the discovery of Roman urns containing bones, glass vessels, and other relics, and from the traces of a Roman vallum and ditch at Blunt's Walls, nearly a mile distant, this place appears to have been not unknown to the Romans, who had probably a station here, though the exact site has not been ascertained. The town is pleasantly situated on an eminence overlooking an extensive and richly cultivated vale, and commanding a fine prospect of the surrounding country, which abounds with beautiful scenery, and a distant view of the shipping on the Thames. The only branches of manufacture are those of silk braid laces, and wire ribbon, and they are at present declining. The market is on Tuesday: fairs are held, August 2d and October 9th, principally for cattle. Courts leet and baron are held occasionally, at the former of which, constables and other officers for the internal regulation of the town are appointed. The chapel, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, is an ancient brick building in the centre of the town. There are places of worship for Baptists, the Society of Friends, and Independents. The Rev. Mr. Baylcy, rector of Benfleet, in 1654, bequeathed an estate of £20 per annum, for the education of ten poor children. There is a parochial almshouse for poor females. From Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of England 1831, courtesy of Databases 4 Sale |
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