Essex Buses

Essex has long been of interest to followers of Britain's bus industry. The western side of the county has always fallen under the influence of London. The dominant operator in Essex was Eastern National, which started life under the auspices of Thomas Clarkson in 1909. The company later became part of the Tilling Group, followed by the British Transport Commission, then the National Bus Company. Eastern National fell into the hands of First Group after privatisation. To the west, both London Transport and London Country were to be found. Eastern Counties, from that company's vast empire in East Anglia, could be found around the border areas. Perhaps Essex is best known for its independent bus companies. Many have now gone, leaving just memories of operators such as Osborne's, Norfolk's and Went's. Hedingham & District still exist, albeit now owned by the Go Ahead Group.