wife of John Winthrop the Younger (1606–76), Governor of Connecticut; she was also a step-daughter of Hugh Peter (1598–1660), a prominent supporter of the Parliamentary cause during the English Civil War. Naturism Wickford became the birthplace of Naturism in the United Kingdom; in 1924, the English Gymnosophist Society was formed and had its home in the town. Second World War During the Second World War, the edge of the town was hit by a German doodlebug and, on 6 December 1944, a V-2 rocket fell in Branksome Avenue, about a mile west of the town centre. Around the town, in amongst the hedgerows and fields, there are numerous pillboxes constructed as a part of British anti-invasion preparations. 1958 flood In 1958, Wickford town centre was hit by a flood which made national news headlines. The most striking image of the flood was a double-decker bus, left stranded at Halls Corner overnight, partly submerged by the floodwater. A second flood, in 1960, meant that changes were made to the course of the River Crouch; this included turning the river into a concrete channel through the centre of the town, although this may be removed in the coming years, depending on the scale of the Wickford Masterplan (see below). Geography For the most part, Wickford is flat and above sea level. The highest point, on the outskirts of the town, is above sea level. The River Crouch flows through the town, from the west to the east. The River Wick flows into the River Crouch from the south. The built-up area of Wickford extends into the neighbouring parishes of Runwell to the north and Shotgate to the east. Wick Country Park The Wick Country Park comprises of former agricultural land, with over 2 km (1 1/4 miles) of easy access trails around the site. The trails leads visitors past old hedgerows, the lake, ponds, World War II pillboxes and recent woodland plantings; bridges and boardwalks allow the trails to continue over the North Benfleet brook. Neighbouring towns and villages Basildon Billericay Rayleigh South Woodham Ferrers Battlesbridge Crays Hill Downham Ramsden Bellhouse Ramsden Crays Ramsden Heath Rawreth Rettendon Runwell Shotgate South Hanningfield West Hanningfield Transport Railway Wickford railway station is situated on the Shenfield to Southend Line, which provides train services between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria. A journey to London takes approximately 40 minutes. The Crouch Valley Line is a branch