Hullbridge
| Hullbridge | |
| Essex | |
|---|---|
 Hullbridge village sign | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TQ810952 |
| Location: | 51°37’38"N, 0°36’49"E |
| Data | |
| Population: | 6,527 (2011) |
| Post town: | Hockley |
| Postcode: | SS5 |
| Dialling code: | 01702 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Rochford |
Hullbridge is a village in Essex. Bordered to the north by the River Crouch, as well a distance from Hockley and Rayleigh. Hullbridge had a population of 6,527 at the Census 2011.
Name
The origin of the name 'Hullbridge' is uncertain. Hullbridge is recorded as Whoulnebregg in 1375, Wolvebrigg in 1377, Whulbridge in 1492, Hul(l)brigge in 1480, and various others in later records. Therefore it Is the 'The bridge over the Huolne or Wholve', believed to be an old name of the Crouch.[1]
The Old English Dictionary defines "wholve" as a "short arched or covered drain under a path." The word appears to be local to this part of Essex. This definition may cast doubt on it being the old name for the Crouch but may suggest this is the form of the bridge.
History
Prehistoric relics, such as Mesolithic flint axes, have been found in the parish.
Folklore has it that a Roman Bridge existed here but there is no documented evidence to support a Roman bridge. Essex Record Office however has records relating to a bridge, and to its upkeep and indeed an accident on or from the bridge. Maps of Essex from 16th Century onwards until the mid 18th Century do show the bridge. Benton's book discusses a document that discloses the existence in the reign of Elizabeth I of a bridge here.
Along the river bank there are remains of evaporation pans where salt was made in Bronze Age times.[2]
As captured by well renowned Countryside historian Oliver Rackham in his publication "History of Countryside" The field structures in and around Hullbridge and South Woodham Ferrers were formed during the Iron Age so an ancient settlement in or around Hullbridge is highly likely especially given the Saxon Burial ground finds in Rawreth when the Park school was being built.
Before the coming of the railways to Rayleigh, Hullbridge's wharf's were important for the distribution of various commodities especially, coal and shale. It was from here that Rayleigh received such goods. One of the wharfs was later to be used for a Brickworks.
The current village of Hullbridge was around until 1929 two communities in the parish of Hockley. One named Hullbridge, the other High Elms. In 1929 the owners of High Elms farm sold most of the land for development, so like its neighbour across the river South Woodham Ferrers it became a plotland ripe for holiday homes. So began the growth of the village.
Sport and leisure
- Football: Hullbridge Sports F.C., who play at Lower Road.
Leisure facilities include yacht clubs, a sports and social club, and the Hullbridge Community Centre. The Rayleigh Club Golf and Country Club [3] is situated on the main road out of Hullbridge towards Rayleigh. In addition, there are a number of riverside and country walks that start, finish or pass through Hullbridge.
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Hullbridge) |
- Hullbridge Memories and History
- Hullbridge Sports FC
- 1st Hullbridge Scouts
- The Anchor, Hullbridge
- Lords Country Club
References
- ↑ Benton, Phillip: 'The History of Rochford Hundred' (1857) page 287
- ↑ "Hullbridge History". http://hullbridgevillage.com/Historyvill.html.
- ↑ "Custom Paper Directory". https://therayleighclub.co.uk/.