Grays facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grays |
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 Grays wharf overlooking the River Thames and Kent |
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 Grays
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| Population | 36,601 (2001 Census) |
| OS grid reference | TQ615773 |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Grays |
| Postcode district | RM17 |
| Dialling code | 01375 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Grays (also known as Grays Thurrock) is a large town located in the area of Thurrock in Essex, England. It's about 20 miles (32 km) east of London, right on the north bank of the River Thames. The town's economy is connected to the Port of London, local offices, shops, and the big Lakeside Shopping Centre.
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History of Grays
The famous diarist Samuel Pepys wrote in his journal that he visited Grays on September 24, 1665. He even bought fish from the local fishermen!
Some parts of Grays and the nearby area called Chafford Hundred are built inside old chalk pits. These are like big holes dug out of the ground to get chalk. The two biggest ones are called Lion Gorge and Warren Gorge. Another part of Chafford Hundred is built on an old landfill site, which is where rubbish used to be buried.
What's in a Name?
The name "Thurrock" comes from an old Saxon word. It means "the bottom of a ship," which is interesting for a town near a river!
The "Grays" part of the name comes from a person named Henry de Grey. He was a descendant of a Norman knight. In 1195, King Richard I gave Henry de Grey control of the land, and that's how the area became known as Grays Thurrock.
Where is Grays?
Grays is surrounded by several other towns and places. Here are some of the closest ones:
- Aveley
- Chadwell St Mary
- Chafford Hundred
- Brentwood
- North Stifford
- Orsett
- Purfleet
- South Ockendon
- South Stifford
- Tilbury
- West Thurrock
- Basildon
Cool Places to See in Grays
Grays has some interesting spots to visit. You can check out the Thameside Theatre, where shows and events happen. There's also the Thurrock History Museum, which tells you all about the local past.
If you like being outdoors, Grays Beach is a great place. You can also see the old State Cinema, which isn't used anymore but is still a landmark.
From the Derby Road Bridge, you can look down and see the Thurrock Yacht Club. You'll also spot the children's playground at Grays Beach and the wide River Thames.
Right on the foreshore near Thurrock Yacht Club and Grays Beach, you'll find a local landmark called The Gull. This is an old lightship, built way back in 1860. A lightship is like a floating lighthouse that helps guide ships. The Gull has been sitting there for many years and is now quite old and worn out.
In September 2014, the Thurrock Campus of South Essex College moved to a brand new building right in the town centre. This college helps students learn new skills.
Getting Around Grays
Grays has good ways to travel, especially by road. It's close to the A13 road and the M25 motorway, which are major roads. The A126 London Road is the main road that connects Grays town centre to places like Lakeside Shopping Centre, Purfleet, and Tilbury.
The Grays railway station is right in the middle of town. Trains from here, run by a company called c2c, can take you to Fenchurch Street station in London to the west, or all the way to Shoeburyness to the east.
Next to the train station is the Grays bus station. This is a main hub for most bus services in the Thurrock area. Different bus companies like Ensignbus, First Essex, Arriva Southend, Imperial Buses, and Regal Busways operate routes from here.
