Basildon was created as a new town in 1949 from the merger of several smaller towns, and expanded to accommodate overspill population from London. It is part of the London commuter belt.
Basildon's main industries include: Chemicals, Clothing, Printing, Engineering, Tobbaco and Alcohol.
The pop/rock band Depeche Mode originated from Basildon, as did the singer Alison Moyet.