Pub history

Sigered, King of Essex

As a place name, Basildon’s origin is Saxon, meaning ‘Beorthel’s Hill’. During the 7th century, the area was part of the Kingdom of the East Saxons – now referred to as the Kingdom of Essex. It was then one of the seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. During c604–616, it was ruled by Sebert, thought to have been buried at Great Burstead, now part of the Basildon district. The last King of Essex was Sigered, reigning during 798–825.