This neighbourhood area is East of West Thurrock and West of Badgers Dene, located in the Borough of Thurrock. The area has lots of country roads which are surrounded by large open green spaces such as parks, farms or marshlands. Stifford was named after Stifford Clays housing estate which was built in the 1950s and 1960s. Stifford Clays was named as such due to the large 17th and 18th century chalk-quarrying industry that quite literally built this area up.

South Stifford has its roots dating back to the Domesday book, as it was recorded as Stifford, which means “path ford”. In 1777 most of Stifford’s buildings were in the village street, with Stifford Hall an ancient manor all but disappearing by then. Stifford generated most of its economic activity through farming, making use of its arable land. Stifford had eight farms which were 50 acres or more by 1839, the largest being Stifford Clays at 381 acres. These farms predominately grew vegetables such as peas, potatoes, turnips or beans.

Stifford Manor has a Church with origins dating back to 1086. Established in 2014, Stifford now has its own men’s Sunday league football team.

Local residents were displeased that property developer Bellway Homes was allowed to build additional homes when they original proposal was already approved. Nonetheless, all 102 homes of their development off Devonshire Road, South Stifford, named Devonshire Place, were sucessfully sold by Summer 2020. Bellway contributed more than £500,000 towards new school places and £40,000 for healthcare as part of its planning agreement with Thurrock Council. The developer also provided 23 affordable homes for people who live in the Thurrock area.