Rochford's railway history: The Freight House and reservoir

October 1889 saw the introduction of the railway to Rochford Town, which had just one track in those days.

To encourage people to use the railway, children were given free rides to Wickford while adults paid one shilling. It proved such a hit that 500 children were treated to a "grand tea" in the goods shed, which later became known as "the Freight House". 

Rochford Station in the late 19th Century. (Image: Rochford Town Team / YouTube)

The Freight House was built to house goods being transported to and from the increasingly busy market town and its surrounding area. 

Rochford saw great change following the railway's introduction, with St Andrews Church and Rochford Hall cut off from the main town as the train line sawed through the countryside.

As it is today - the Freight House. (Image: Julie Gooding)

South of the Freight House was the pumping station, which took water from Rochford’s man-made reservoir to Hockley and Rayleigh and down to Prittlewell and Southend. In the the age of the steam engine, the pumping station was an essential resource.

With its high water-table, the Great Eastern Railway Authority decided Rochford was the best site in the area as there would be less loss of water than anywhere else. 

The excavated earth from the reservoir was used to build the railway embankment.

Resourceful - earth excavated to make the reservoir was used to build the railway embankment. (Image: Julie Gooding)

Eventually, the railway decided that the Freight House was redundant and it fell into disrepair. It was later renovated by Rochford Council and opened in 1983 as a function suite, used for the community with an evangelical free church.

Today, the reservoir is now within a well-maintained park. It is popular with local anglers and frequented by children feeding the ducks.

Meanwhile, residents are determined to prevent the old Freight House being turned into flats.

With thanks to Julie Gooding and Rochford Town Team.