Unusual Rochford - various somewhat unusual buildings are worth noting:

 A conspicuous feature is the clock projecting on an iron bracket erected for Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1897. Often open for coffee mornings and the monthly Farmers’ Market. If you can see past cupboards and curtains, the beautiful old structure is clearly visible and waiting for someone to tenderly restore the building to its former glory.   

Whittingham’s Garage at the bottom of West Street

According to records, the business was started in 1830 by Joseph Whittingham, originally a blacksmiths and engineers before they started switching over to coach building - adding the body to a supplied chassis - (hence the shape) and eventually servicing vehicles.

Modern Rochford: a look at the more recent additions, seeking to fit into the ‘old town’

Nothing special about this except you won’t find it without going through an arch on West Street. A town centre out of sight close, of which there are a number in the new central areas of town.

The old Hospital Chimney

Grade II listed building. The boiler house was started in mid 1930s & completed in mid 1940s. Formerly part of the hospital, and converted in the mid 1990’s into 31 loft apartments. With apologies to estate agents, if one comes up for sale, the views from the upper ones are stunning and the design of them is worth seeing. The chimney is possibly THE most prominent landmark seen from miles away in every direction, and looms in front of you from almost every direction you come into Rochford.

Ironwell Lane

Yes, we know this is not architecture but for the purists, the history of Rochford would almost not be complete without mention of this ancient route out of town.  

The first left turning off Ashingdon Road from the bottom, under the railway bridge and this lane takes you in about half an hour, to Rectory Rd, Hawkwell. History suggests this was the main route for the London stage-coach in past centuries.

Between North & East Streets, a neat little collection of restored quaint buildings

Further up East Street, on the corner of Millview Meadows, not out of place stylish offices creating interest and, leading into Millview Meadows with its varied and  pleasing modern late 20th Century dwellings and back roads

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Passing through the passageway in the north-west corner of the old Square opens up a view of the start of a whole new area

Colourful and varied design buildings form a new shopping area with the Library at the end and apartments above.

The road at the end, Roche Close, heralds more apartments of varied colour, design and form, leading through the arch…

… to another entirely residential square of pleasing modern appearance.

We have already noted at the junction of South Street and Bradley Way the modern appearance is the beginning of the offices of Lock’s Hill

A little further round Locks Hill and clearly visible from Bradley Way the ‘oast house’ appearance example  of the modern offices of this area.

The WI Hall

Formerly a Corn Exchange, built 1866 now the home of the Rochford WI. Listed grade II.

Still further round Locks Hill  more examples of the modern offices of this area.