The Plotlands – History No 1
The former Plotlands around Laindon and Dunton was as area of
farmland. In the early 20th century much of the farmland around
Basildon fell out of use due to agricultural depression. Farms
could not be sold as going concerns, so they were divided up into
small plots (often 20 feet by 140 feet) and sold by land
agents.
The Fenchurch Street to Southend railway line gave easy access
to the countryside (before car ownership was common). Londoners who
were looking for a chance to own a little piece of land on which
they could erect a small or hut or bungalow purchased the plots.
This would become a base for weekend and holiday use, families
would gather here to experience the countryside.
With the outbreak of World War II however many families did not
want their children evacuated away from them, so they all evacuated
London and came to the plots. From this time the plots started to
become permanent residences from where it was easy to commute to
London for work. Dunton soon became a bustling estate known locally
as Gumboot Hill. Life on the plots was not easy though.