new town, Basildon district, administrative and historic county of Essex, England. Basildon new town was established in 1949. It was one of eight established 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 km) from central London to help alleviate the city's acute post-World War II housing shortage. More than 230 factories have been built and nearly 400 shops, with more than 200 in the town centre. Pop. (2001) 99,876.

district, administrative and historic county of Essex, England, about 25 miles (40 km) east of central London. After World War I many Londoners settled in the Billericay area of Essex. The district includes Billericay and Wickford as well as the new town of Basildon, so designated in 1949. Main industries are light engineering, chemicals, clothing, and printing. Area 43 square miles (111 square km). Pop. (2001) 165,661.