Forgotten Basildon is remembered in fascinating new book

Sadly, however, as the town has been developed in the name of progress, so many old buildings and places have been confined to the history books.

Now, a fascinating new book is helping to shine a light on some of the forgotten memories of the town.

New town - an early view of Market Square in the new town centre in 1958

Lost Basildon, compiled by Essex-based researcher Lisa Horner, brings to the forefront a fascinating photographic history of Basildon’s past.

Recognise her? It is Alison Moyet on a photo shoot in Basildon with her punk band, The Vandals

It will appeal to all those who live in the town or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades.

With 150 photos and illustrations the book charts Basildon’s well known, and lesser known, places that have been lost over the years.

The book tells the story of the buildings, industries and streets that are now long-gone while illustrating life in the villages of Laindon, Langdon Hills, Lee Chapel, Basildon, Vange and Pitsea.

Check out our gallery which features some of the many beautiful photos that appear in the book. Look closely and you’ll see a very famous Basildon woman hanging out in the town centre before she became a chart-topping pop star.

The book costs £14.99 and is available from www.amberley- books.com. It is also available in Kindle, Kobo and ibook formats.