The Essex town of Basildon was originally created to relieve overpopulated areas of East London, but now has developed into a successful town in its own right, with a vibrant shopping centre and prospering local businesses. Basildon Then & Now celebrates this journey, illustrating how the town developed from the old areas of Laindon, Vange and Pitsea, and grew out of the muddy plotlands, where water was obtained from the roofs, and where lighting came from oil lamps and candles. In this fascinating new book, Jim Reeve explores the last century of the area's history. Containing photographs of Basildon old and new, this book will intrigue and delight all who know and love the town.