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Much
of Thurrock today is largely the result of industrial development,
since the Georgian and Victorian eras, as well as the familiar
building schemes of the 1950s and 60s. A closer look at the built and
natural landscape will reveal a rich interesting heritage, in the form
of buildings, earthworks, street and field patterns, maps and documents.
Archaeological
research has shown that as far back as 8,000 years ago Stone Age
'Thurrock Man' was roaming the landscape, between the Mar Dyke
and One Tree Hill, in his quest for wild boar, deer and plant foods, as
well as fishing in the lakes.
4,000
years ago, Bronze Age 'Thurrock Man' has left traces of his life style
in the form of occupation evidence, following a Neolithic development
and burial sites.
The
Romans left us a settlement site, and Turoc's Saxon and Norman communities were
mentioned in the Domesday Book, constructed timber framed
buildings and stone churches, some can still be seen today.
Queen
Elizabeth I famously reviewed troops at West Tilbury. During Mary Tudor's
reign several Thurrock residents were burned at the stake.
The
16th and 17th centuries saw the building of the
Borough's largest mansions and a defensive fort, while The Thames became
incredibly busy even by our standards.
The
18th century saw more efficient transport and communication
networks allowing Thurrock industries of agriculture, mineral
extraction, brick making and brewing to expand rapidly, helping to shape the
landscape to how we know it today.
 Thurrock
also has it's fair share of famous sons and daughters - including a
scientist, accomplished writers, industrialists and farmers.
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