| Purfleet | |
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Purfleet
Purfleet shown within Essex |
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| OS grid reference | TQ555775 |
|---|---|
| Unitary authority | Thurrock |
| Ceremonial county | Essex |
| Region | East |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PURFLEET |
| Postcode district | RM19 |
| Dialling code | 01708 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament | Thurrock |
| List of places: UK • England • Essex | |
Purfleet is a place in the Thurrock unitary authority in Essex, England. It is situated south of the A13 road on the River Thames and within the easterly bounds of the M25 motorway but just outside the Greater London boundary. It was within the traditional Church of England parish of West Thurrock. There is some industry to the south and the area forms part of the Thames Gateway redevelopment area. Purfleet is one of seven conservation areas in Thurrock.[1] It was listed by the Ministry of Food as an A-bomb target in the 1950s.[2]
The Royal Opera House's Bob and Tamar Manoukian scene making facility for their operas and ballets opened on the High House site in December 2010. The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills will open on the site in May 2012.
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In the 18th century, Purfleet was the location for the storage of gunpowder together with a garrison to protect it. There was a constant danger of explosion as a result of lightning strikes. Benjamin Franklin was asked for advice on the design of a lightning conductor. When King George III heard what his political opponent had to say, he chose an alternative design.[3] Magazine number 5 is now the Purfleet Garrison Heritage and Military Centre.
In March, 1916, anti-aircraft gunners based at Purfleet shot down the German Zeppelin LZ15 - a first. As a result the gunners received a prize from the Lord Mayor of London.[4]
From 1921 to 1936, Purfleet formed an urban district of Essex including the parishes of Aveley, West Thurrock and South Ockendon. It covered an area of 8,900 acres (36 km2) and in 1931 had a population of 8,511. The parishes and urban district were abolished in 1936 and their former area was used to form part of Thurrock Urban District.
According to Bram Stoker's book, Count Dracula had an estate here. (See Chapter 2 of 1897 Stoker's Dracula)
Purfleet has been the site of a Unilever (formerly Van den Berghs & Jurgens) works producing Stork, Flora, Bertolli, and ICBINB! margarine since 1917, reputed to be the largest in the world. It also has an Esso lubricants plant and a ro-ro ferry terminal.
Nearest railway stations:
There are good transport links to towns such as Basildon and Grays, as well as Lakeside Shopping Centre.
| Route Number | Route | Operation | Operator |
| 11 | Purfleet Station to Chadwell Defoe Parade via South Ockendon |
Mon-Sat (2 hourly) | Imperial Buses |
| 44 | Lakeside Shopping Centre to Grays Bus Station via Purfleet and West Thurrock |
Mon-Sat (every 30/60 mins) Sunday (hourly) |
Ensignbus, Arriva Southern Counties |
One journey on Ensignbus route 22 (Aveley to Grays via Lakeside) operates through Purfleet in the late evening.
Railway services from Purfleet Station offer frequent services to London Fenchurch Street, Barking, Grays, Tilbury and Southend. The services are operated by c2c.
Bus Service 389, no longers operates.
| Section 24: | London Outer Orbital Path | Section 24: |
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| Rainham | Purfleet | ENDS |
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