Bear Estate Agents in Rochford

Your Rochford Estate Agent - Bear Estate Agents

Rochford has all the hallmarks of a country town but also has access to Europe and the world, on its doorstop.

With Southend Airport extending its services to destinations across Europe and to Ireland for those who want to go transatlantic, Rochford has never been busier. It is surprising therefore, that half mile from the airport lies the centre of Rochford with all of its historic and country charm. Indeed, during WWII, Southend Airport was known as RAF Rochford and before that in WWI, RFC Rochford.

Rather than a High Street, the town centre has a Market Square at its epicentre with North, South East and west streets forming a town cross pattern, there.

This main square was formed in 1247 by the Lord of the Manor, Sir Guy de Rocheforte, when he was given the right by means of a charter, to hold a market there. Markets are still held regularly here.

Just down one of the roads that form the cross pattern, in South Street, is ‘The Old House’. It has a timber frame and panels of wattle and daub and was constructed in 1270. Now restored it would have been a splendid house in medieval times and sits comfortably in its surroundings to this day. Visits can be arranged on a Wednesday afternoon.

On West Street stands the Woman’s Institute Hall. This is an 1866 grade II listed building which was originally the Corn Exchange. A farmers’ market regularly takes place here on the first Saturday of the month, where all sorts of fresh produce can be found.

A Google Earth approach to viewing would reveal its location next to the River Roach which runs eastwardly into the River Crouch, just before it enters the North Sea. To the east of Rochford town, a large green area can be seen. This is the home of Rochford Hundred Golf Club with Rochford Hall in its midst, which now serves as its clubhouse. This grade I listed building was built in 1216 but by the 16th century it had gained a Great Hall and a moat. It is believed this site has had a ‘great Manor House’ on it, since 1086, when the ‘Domesday Book’ was compiled. This is where Thomas, the father of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s unfortunate wives lived, before handing it over to his daughter Mary, when she married.

In the same area can be seen St Andrews Church built of stone construction from 13th-14th century. There can’t be many churches that boast a golf course as part of its setting but this Church has close links to Rochford Hall as well as being sited next to it. The owner of Rochford Hall circa 1455, James Boteler(Butler), the 4th Earl of Ormonde and the Great-Great Grandfather of Thomas Boleyn, had his Coat of Arms set in the bricks of the Church’s Tudor tower. It has been said that at this church site, Henry Bolingbroke, who became Henry IV, married Mary de Bohun.

Rochford tennis club can be found here to, between the church and the vicarage. Its original court outlines can also be seen from Google Earth.

Cherry Orchard Jubilee Park, situated in the Roach Valley of which Rochford is part, covers 200 acres of grassland, woods, meadow and is home to a lake. There are footpaths to explore and wild life to see and gives a glimpse of why Rochford has had such a rich agricultural past. It is possible to ride the bridle ways from here to Hockley’s ancient woods, via Gusted Hall woods.

Back to Rochford market square where there is not only shopping but pubs to enjoy too. The Kings Head was where the coach and horses stopped on their way from London to Prittlewell. In and around this area there are pubs that hold beer festivals as well as ‘Open Mike’ nights for the area’s budding musicians.

Local Rochford Primary and Nursery School, received a ‘Good School’ report from OFSTED as did Holt Farm Junior school in the area. The secondary schools, The King Edmund School and Greensward Academy were also reported as being ‘Good Schools’ in the latest 2014 results. Rochford also has access to the selective Southend Boys and Girls Grammar Schools, in Southend. There are regular buses and trains to these areas.

Whilst Rochford General Hospital has now closed, there remain three main surgeries in the area; The Rochford medical Centre; Puzey Family Practise and the Ashingdon Medical Practice.

Rochford, with its fast 45min train link to London Liverpool Street as well as excellent road links to the City, is the perfect place for commuters. It is surprising, therefore, how well it has retained and preserved its history, its country walks, as well as its sporting and community spirit. On its doorstep is London Southend Airport which does not impede on Rochford’s unique identity, but emphasises it.