Thurrock (pop. 176,000) is a local government area in southeastern England. In 1998, it became a unitary authority with all the local government powers within its boundaries. The area was previously a district in the county of Essex. Thurrock area includes the towns of Grays, Purfleet, and Tilbury, and a number of attractive villages set in beautiful countryside. Grays, also called Grays Thurrock, is the administrative center and main shopping area. Thurrock’s industries include electronics, engineering, warehousing, and some light manufacturing. Tilbury lies on the north bank of the River Thames. Its docks form part of the Port of London.
