Mid-Iron Age pottery found at Shotgate Farm shows that the area was inhabited in 300 BC.

By 1540 the Rede family owned the farm, and one of its members, Elizabeth, emigrated to America to marry the son of the governor of Massachusetts, and is an ancestor of both former US president George W. Bush and presidential contender John Kerry.

The sign is located next to the Southend Road (A129), it is made up of various symbols; Gate, Wheatsheaf, Archer, River, Hurricane.

A plot of land in Bruce Grove was to be auctioned in 1952 and a request was made to the Urban District Council to reserve it for the committees.

The hall was opened, free of debt, on Saturday 8 November 1958 by councillor Tanswell, the then Chairman of Basildon Council.

It is run by the Shotgate Community Association and funded by the monies raised from hiring out the hall, membership fees and donations.

Shotgate Thickets[4] form the northern part of this reserve, which is owned by the Essex Wildlife Trust.

With the adjoining river banks and railway embankment this small area has a surprising diversity of habitats and, consequently, of wildlife.