What's in Upminster in London?

Question

Always when I take the tube in London and they say this is the district line to Upminster, I always wonder what's there? is it similar to Westminster?
I always wanted to go there, but I don't want to pay for a ticket to go all the way to zone 6, anyone could you describe me Upminster?

Answer 1

Upminster is a typical outer surburban town on the edge of London, although, in reality, it is in Essex.

You must remember that, as with the Metropolitian Line, when the District Line was extended to Upminster, it was little more than a leafy country town. The coming of the Underground changed all that, because the area became accessible for the middle classes to commute to London. The housing to the north of the station reflects this social development. As time went on, more housing was built and Upminster steadily grew, swallowing up outer villages such as Cranham and Corbets Tey.

Moreover, the area has achieved an element of its own economic existance, although most employment in the area is either in the retail or service industries.

There is really nothing outstanding about the area, although close to Upminster Bridge station there is an old windmill (a throw back to what was once there!), which, as I recall is now a listed building.

However, Upminster is nothing like Westminster.

Answer 2

There is a very large family owned department store (Roomes). Smaller shops are estate agents, restaurants, florists, a nice book shop, charity shops plus one branch of just about every bank.. On the whole it is very middle class (but many residents think it is much better than that)
The most famous feature is the windmill. Although it suffered some wind damage earlier in the year and has only got 2 sails at present.
http://www.upminsterwindmill.co.uk/
There is also a tythe barn and a very large golf club (rumour is it has a 20 year wait to become a member)
As far as I know Ian Drury is the only famous person who has lived there.

http://www.upminster.com


Oh and it is in Essex. Don't say it is London if you go there or the normally reserved residents will lynch you. ;-)