THE history of Billericay has been explored in a new book.

Charles Phillips, 60, who was born at the former St Andrew’s Hospital in the town, started writing the Story of Billericay in 2007 and it was finally published last week.

It delves deeper into the historical impact of events in Billericay, including the summer of 1281 when some residents took part in the Peasant’s Revolt against the government after it attempted to raise taxes and the disaster of 1916 when the German Zeppelin airship L32 was brought down just south of Billericay with the complete loss of its crew.

Former civil servant Mr Phillips, of Dakyn Drive, Stock, said he felt there was a need for the history of Billericay to be documented as the last book to be published was Billericay and its High Street by Harry Richman in the mid sixties.

He said: “That was a wonderful book and I like to think this would supplement it.

“I’m very proud of it and pleased with the final result, I think it’s a good addition to the history of Billericay.”

The Story of Billericay includes previously unpublished historical snippets and information and is illustrated using original photographs and illustrations.

Mr Phillips, who is now retired, has previously written books about the history of the railway lines between Shenfield and Southend, and Colchester to Walton.

He has also compiled a book on the history of Stock. He believes one of the most significant events in Billericay’s history was when it “got away” from nearby Great Burstead in the 1840s to become a separate town in its own right.

Mr Phillips’ book is priced at £16.99 and is available from Amazon