Glass Splashbacks | Kitchen Splashbacks | Bathroom Splashbacks | Glass Balustrades | Billericay, Essex

Based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Splashbacks of Distinction have a real passion for toughened glass in and around the home. We have transformed many properties, both commercial and domestic with our glass splashbacks, for kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms. Our toughened glass balustrades, glass shelving and splashbacks with high resolution images have really caught the imagination of people who demand beauty and functionality in their homes and offices.

Billericay is a town and civil parish in the Basildon borough of Essex, England. It lies within the London Basin, has a population of around 36,338 in the 2011 census, and constitutes a commuter town 28 miles east of central London. The town has three secondary schools and a variety of open spaces. It is thought to have been occupied since the Bronze Ages.

Some Billericay history

Some of the earliest records of human occupation of Billericay are the burial mounds in Norsey Wood, showing evidence of occupation in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Evidence of Roman occupation has been found at a number of locations in the town and it is thought that there may have been a small cavalry fort based at Blunts Wall.

The Saxons did not settle in the centre of Billericay. They established themselves two miles to the south, at Great Burstead. In the late 10th century, it was known as Burhstede. Billericay was not mentioned in the Domesday Book, as it lay within Great Burstead. At this time, the parish church for Billericay was at Great Burstead.

Billericay in the Middle Ages

In the 13th and 14th centuries, some pilgrims to Canterbury journeyed via Billericay. Some of them may have spent the night in Billericay before crossing the River Thames at Tilbury. This may have a direct bearing on the large number of inns that remain in the town to this day.

Billericay has a most notable historical episode in the Battle of Billericay during the Peasants Revolt of 1381.

The Wycliffe preachers influenced the town. Four local people, Thomas Watts, Joan Hornes, Elizabeth Thackwell and Margaret Ellis were burnt at the stake. Two other residents, Joan Potter and James Harris were tortured for their faith during the reign of Queen Mary in her attempts to drive out anti Catholic beliefs.

The Pilgrim Fathers and Billericay

A meeting of the Pilgrim Fathers, prior to their sailing in the Mayflower, is said to have taken place in Billericay high street; many local names and much historical imagery reflect this, such as Mayflower House, Morris Men, Taxis, School and Hall. Sunnymede Schools houses were called Mayflower, Pilgrim, Chantry.

Christopher Martin, born in Great Burstead and later became a Billericay goods merchant and property owner, in 1620 travelled on the Mayflower as the official Ships Governor and purchasing agent, procuring ships supplies for the voyage.

The Mayflower ship set sail once the Pilgrim Fathers had all boarded and set to meet the Speedwell in the English Channel; the Speedwell was sailing from the Netherlands. Unfortunately the Speedwell developed leaks and so the ships headed for the Devon coast to repair her, but this proved impossible; the Mayflower eventually sailed from Plymouth without her.

Four people from Billericay were on board, including Christopher Martin. his wife Mary Prowe, along with Solomon Prowe her son from first marriage and John Langemore the martins servant, all four pilgrims perished after their arrival at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Christopher Martin died of fever on the 8th of January 1621. His wife Mary Martin died in Plymouth in 1621, both Christopher and Mary are buried in the Cole Hill Burial ground Plymouth America.

The unfortunate fate of the pioneers did not deter other inhabitants of Billericay from setting sail for America. The town of Billerica, Massachusetts was established in 1655 by colonists from Billericay and named after their home town in England.

Georgian and Victorian eras

In the Georgian period many examples of the periods houses were built in Billericay. One of those remaining today is Burghstead Lodge in High Street, which used to house the library. Sadly a number were demolished in the 1980s to make way for new developments, notable examples being on Western Road.

In the town, the Union Workhouse was built in 1840 to continue to implement the Poor Law. Parts of this building were later incorporated into what was St. Andrews Hospital.

The railway arrived in Billericay in 1889; the station is situated on a branch line from the Great Eastern Main Line between Shenfield and Southend-on-Sea.

Billericay in popular music

The singer and frontman for the Blockheads, Ian Dury, sang a song called Billericay Dickie. Released in 1977 and taken from his album New Boots and Panties, it told the story of a Billericay bricklayers sexual exploits in comical rhymes.

Splashbacks of Distinction have fitted quite a few glass splashbacks in the Billericay area over the years and our clients all have one thing in common, they are all absolutely delighted with the finished product and the many years service it will give them. Glass from us is toughened and is so durable that our clients will probably never have to worry about a replacement as long as they live in that property.

Splashbacks of Distinction supply the following splashback products in Billericay, Essex

Glass kitchen splashbacks
Glass kitchen splashback samples
Glass kitchen splashbacks in many different colours
Printed glass splashbacks
Colour matched splashbacks
Painted splashbacks

Splashbacks of Distinction also supply the following glass products in Billericay, Essex

Stainless steel and glass Balustrades
Glass shelves
Coloured mirrors
Toughened mirrors
Decorative glass
Glass hardware
Glass worktops
Glass shower cubicle
Garden glass balustrades
Glass staircases
Glass table tops
Satin glass
Toughened glass
Laminated glass
Opaque glass

Splashbacks of Distinction also supply the following glass related services in Billericay, Essex

Glass cut to size
Mirrors cut to size while you wait
Glass processing
Glass supply and installation
Supply only splashbacks
A glass express service
Template and fit

Only the finest quality from Splashbacks of Distinction

Splashbacks of Distinction ensure that only the finest quality toughened glass is used in all our products. We guarantee all of our work and are fully insured. We employ only trained and certified engineers. Splashbacks of Distinction never leave your property without ensuring you are totally satisfied with your beautiful new glass splashback, baluster, shelving or shower enclosure.

Further Information

If you would like to know more or are interested in a quote we would be happy to help. Phone us on 01920 830 084, email us at enquiries@splashbacksofdistinction.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.