Sitting in the London Basin, south of Chelmsford and northeast of central London, the northern edge of Billericay is characterised by typical suburban family homes nestled on the edge of the pastoral greenspace of the nearby Stock. Dotted with several schools, the vast Queen’s Park, and other local amenities - this area is typified by its family friendly atmosphere and suburban convenience.

Billericay’s history is varied, long, and storied, having originally started from the settlement of Great Burstead. The first recorded mention of Billericay comes from 1291, where it was recorded as ‘Byllerica’. In fact, the origin of Billericay as a name is one of great mystery, and is still debated to this day. One such
theory is that the world originates from the Latin, ‘bellerīca’ meaning ‘dyehouse’ or ‘tanhouse’. Another theory is that it comes from the word ‘billers’, which is an old English term meaning ‘watercress’, and which Billericay was a major producer of watercress up until the 20th century!

Billericay is also famously home to some of the first pilgrims who travelled to the newly founded US colony of Plymouth aboard the 1620 Mayflower Voyage. Billericay had a long history with religious and political dissent, particularly from Puritans and Calvinists, who in turn took the voyage to America as a means of escaping religious persecution. Most notably of these pilgrims was Christopher Martin, a resident of Billericay and wealthy tradesman, who was a signatory on the infamous Mayflower Compact!

Situated in the Basildon Borough Council, the burough has yet to formulate a new working local plan for the area of Billericay for the upcoming period - with reviews and initial steps being currently undertaken. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether the area itself is going to be a source of great residential or infrastructural development. However, as recently as 2024, a controversial new development is taking place on the southern edge of Billericay, helmed by David Wilson Homes. Built on Green Belt land, the development aims to construct nearly 99 new homes in the local area, but has been met with fierce resistance by local residents.