Hockley

infobox UK place
country = England
official_name= Hockley
latitude= 51.6014
longitude= 0.6363
population = 8,909 2001
shire_district= Rochford
shire_county = Essex
region= East of England
constituency_westminster= Rayleigh
post_town= HOCKLEY
postcode_district= SS5 5
postcode_area=SS
dial_code= 01702
os_grid_reference= TQ826924

Hockley is a large village and civil parish in Essex, England located between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea. More specifically it lies between Rayleigh and Rochford. It came to prominence during the coming of the railway in the 1890s and has a population of around 10,000 people where many are commuters to London. The parish of Hockley itself has a population of 8,909 (2001 census), while the urban area runs into the neighbouring parish of Hawkwell. Hockley railway station serves the village.

History

Hockley is an Anglo Saxon word meaning a small hill and today there is still a large wooded area named Hockley woods. Notable buildings in the village include the St Peter and Paul twelfth century church with octagonal tower and a Victorian spa pump room which is a listed building. It is also the site of the Bullwood Hall Men's prison (which was a women's prison until 2006).

Hockley is also home of a burial mound, Plumberow Mount, which was excavated in 1913. The excavation found a Roman coin and some Saxon pottery which may indicate a secondary burial. The oval mound is 4 metres high and has a flattened tip. Currently it is surrounded by a metal fence to protect the site from cyclists.

Governance

Hockley is split into three wards: Hockley North, Hockley Central and Hockley West, all of which are Conservative.

Sports

Hockley has a Men's Football team "FC Hockley" which was founded in 2006 by Chairman David Samuel Rahi and gained promotion in their first season, the team is made up of players who previously attended the Greensward College of Hockley. All time top goalscorer is David Bettis with 29 Goals in 27 Games. Most clean sheets in Alex Warren with 6 in 12 Games. Most Assists is from David Samuel Rahi with 28. . The side has recently been promoted once again and has toured France and Holland. Hockley also holds hosts to a new mens football team called Lemonparty FC. The team is made up with young skilled footballers from the Hockley area and was formed by Alex Warren, Nick Meldrum & Luke Hartley season 2007/08. The club has recently had a change in its management and is currently run by Frank Guinane & Alan Simpson. Leading goalscorer in their first season was Lewis Bickford with 23 and captained by Alex Warren.

Hockley has a men's cricket club "Hockley Cricket Club." The plays in the T Rippon Mid Essex Cricket League and has three teams that play in divisions one, six and ten respectively. The club chairman is Daniel Sculpher, club secretary is Andrew Barker.

Culture and community

There are three well known pubs in Hockley, which are still in business- the Spa Hotel in the village, the Bull Inn close to Hockley Woods and the White Hart Inn west of the village The village green at the White Hart has hosted cricket games, bonfires on the roof, 5th November, and many other children's games in the past. There is also the Hockley community centre which has a members bar and provides a venue for numerous local groups and clubs.

External links

* [http://www.hockley-essex.gov.uk Hockley Parish Council]
* [http://www.hockley-community.net Hockley Community Site]