Demolition of 2 - 12 The Broadway 2019

The photos above were presented to the Archive, having been left for us at the Wickford Library. Unfortunately we do not know who left them. Please let us know if it was you so that we can credit you.

The smaller photos show the destruction of six buildings on the corner of The Broadway and Lower Southend Road in August 2019 as part of the development of the Aldi supermarket site.

These buildings were said to be among the oldest in Wickford and a campaign sought to preserve them. However, an investigation by Archaeology South-East found that they were not worthy of listing or conservation. In fact only one building probably dated before 1800. No 6 The Broadway had been part of a pair of 18th century cottages, and was demolished in 1910 and rebuilt to become a branch of the bank Barclays and Co Limited. During the Second World War the building became the headquarters of the 1st Essex Battalion of the Home Guard by which time it was known as the Old Bank House. No 8 was the oldest of the remaining structures, dating to around 1800. Teas and Luncheons were served from No 12 in the early years of the 20th century. The buildings which were recently demolished dated back to various years in the 20th century. They had housed estate agents, surveyors, butchers, curtain makers, solicitors and tea rooms among other things over the years.

There is more information about the former Barclays Bank building here.