The Sign
The original town signs were erected in 1951 at the east and west entrances, these have now been replaced with similar themed signs, but the name had disappeared when I photographed them. A further sign was then added in the town centre, all showing the same subject of the town arms, which in fact relate to the Earls of Ashburnham, who were local landowners; the top is crowned with an ash tree crest.  Another more recent welcome sign has been added by the council showing the arms.

The Name and Population
The population of the town was 4,528 at the 2011 census. The town was not mentioned in the Domesday Book, but was called Nedham in the 13th century and Nedham Markatt in 1388 and Nedeham Markett in 1511. The name means "The poor or needy homestead or village", from Old English. The right to have a market was granted in 1226.

Other Points of Interest

The Victorian railway station, built in 1849 and still running.

Needham Lake is a former gravel pit and a tourist attraction in the summer months.

June Brown the actress, who played Dot Cotton in EastEnders was born here.

The local football club has also adopted the arms.

The 15th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, originally a chapel of ease for the parish of Barking (with a unique double-hammerbeam roof).