WELCOME TO BRENTWOOD
AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT BRENTWOOD
An interesting fact about Brentwood is its rich history as a market town dating back centuries. The town's market tradition traces back to the 12th century when a market charter was granted, allowing Brentwood to hold regular markets. These markets served as crucial hubs for trade, commerce, and social interaction, contributing significantly to the town's economic and social development.
Over the years, Brentwood's market has been an essential feature of daily life for residents and a focal point for visitors. Traders from nearby areas would gather to sell a variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats, fish, textiles, and household items. The market provided locals with access to essential goods and served as a place for community engagement and exchange.
Brentwood's market tradition continues to thrive today, albeit in a somewhat evolved form. While the market still offers a diverse range of products, including fresh produce and artisanal crafts, it also reflects contemporary consumer preferences and trends. Modern amenities and services have been integrated into the market experience, ensuring its relevance and appeal in the 21st century.
Despite changes over time, Brentwood's market remains an integral part of the town's identity, preserving its historical heritage while adapting to the needs of a modern society. It continues to attract visitors and locals alike, providing a vibrant and dynamic marketplace that reflects Brentwood's enduring spirit as a market town in Essex.
Fact:
Another interesting fact about Brentwood is its association with the television series "The Only Way is Essex" (TOWIE). The reality show, which debuted in 2010, gained widespread popularity and became synonymous with the glamorous and sometimes dramatic lifestyle of its cast members, many of whom lived in or frequented Brentwood.
TOWIE showcased various landmarks and establishments in Brentwood, giving viewers worldwide a glimpse into the town's culture and social scene. The show's success contributed to Brentwood's reputation as a destination for entertainment and leisure, attracting visitors eager to explore the locations featured on the show.
While the portrayal of Brentwood on TOWIE may have been sensationalised for entertainment purposes, it nonetheless brought significant attention to the town and helped boost its profile as a vibrant and dynamic community in Essex.
LATEST NEWS FROM BRENTWOOD
How air pollution affects our unborn children
Babies born to mothers living in areas with increased levels of air pollution in London are more likely to suffer ill health.
Air pollution has been linked to cancer, asthma, stroke and heart disease – and it’s particularly affecting young children, even when they’re in the womb.
Exposure to air pollution can affect a baby growing in the womb in a number of ways, explains Dr Karen Joash, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital and expert adviser to Global Black Maternal Health, increasing the risks for low birth weight, premature birth, restricted growth and stillbirth.
Essex Boys murder convictions being reviewed again
THE convictions of the so-called Essex Boys murderers, who shot three men dead in Rettendon in 1998, are currently under review.
Michael Steele and Jack Whomes were given life sentences for shooting dead Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker and Pat Tate while they sat in a Range Rover in 1998.
Essex awarded £7.3m to improve walking and cycling routes
A multi-million-pound investment has been awarded to improve walking and cycling routes in Essex.
Essex County Council has secured £7.3 million from Active Travel England to enhance active travel across the county.
Since 2020, the council has collaborated with city and district councils to design a network of more than 400 walking and cycling routes.
The newly announced funding will be used to deliver new schemes, maintain existing provisions, and offer more community training, such as Bikeability for schoolchildren.
KEY LINKS FOR BRENTWOOD
Local Information - Parks in and around brentwood
Thorndon Country Park
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Thorndon Country Park
This large park is known for its extensive woodland, open meadows, and scenic walking trails. It's a popular spot for picnics, dog walking, and observing wildlife. The Gruffalo Trail, based on the popular children's book, is a highlight for families with young children.
Weald Country Park
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Thorndon Country Park
Spread over 500 acres, this park is famous for its stunning landscape, including lakes, woodland, and open grassland. It offers excellent facilities for walking, cycling, fishing, and bird watching. The park also has a visitor center and a playground for children.
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, this nature reserve is particularly beautiful in spring with its displays of snowdrops, daffodils, and bluebells. It's a great spot for a peaceful walk amidst diverse plant life.
Local Information - Walks in and around brentwood
South Weald Country Park
South Weald Country Park
South Weald Country Park
A great spot for nature enthusiasts, offering extensive areas of open grassland, woodlands, and lakes. It's ideal for bird watching, picnics, and gentle strolls.
Ingatestone Hall
South Weald Country Park
South Weald Country Park
While primarily known for the historic hall, the surrounding grounds offer lovely walking paths through gardens and woodland areas.
Langdon Nature Reserve
South Weald Country Park
Langdon Nature Reserve
A bit further afield, this reserve has a diverse landscape of woodlands, meadows, and lakes. It’s home to a wide variety of wildlife and offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
TRANSPORT LINKS AROUND THE BRENTWOOD AREA
Rail Services
- Brentwood Station: Located on the Great Eastern Main Line in the East of England, Brentwood station offers services to London Liverpool Street, operated by the Greater Anglia and TfL Rail (part of the Elizabeth Line/Crossrail project).
- Shenfield Station: Also on the Great Eastern Main Line, it's a significant transport hub and a terminus for some Greater Anglia services from Liverpool Street. It's also a part of the Elizabeth Line, offering improved access to central London, the City, and Heathrow Airport.
- West Horndon Station: Serves the area with C2C services connecting to London Fenchurch Street and Southend-on-Sea railway station
Road Network
- M25 Motorway: Brentwood is close to the M25, which encircles most of Greater London, providing access to a vast network of other major roads.
- A12: This major road runs through Brentwood and connects London to the East of England, serving as an important route for local, regional, and national traffic.
Bus Services
- Brentwood is served by several bus routes, connecting it with surrounding areas such as Basildon, Chelmsford, Romford, and others. These services are provided by companies like First Essex, Arriva, and local services.
Air Travel
- London Southend Airport: Located relatively close, offering flights to various domestic and European destinations.
- London Stansted and London City Airports: These airports, while further away, provide additional options for international travel.
Future Developments
- Always check for any ongoing or planned improvements in transport infrastructure, as Basildon and the surrounding area continue to develop.
For the most current information, including timetables, service updates, and future developments, it's recommended to check the official websites of transport providers or local government transport departments.
Communities around Brentwood
SHENFIELD
Shenfield is a historic town with roots stretching back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally a small rural settlement, it developed as an important stop on the route between London and Colchester, benefiting from its strategic location along major transport routes.
During the medieval period, Shenfield was primarily an agricultural community, with its economy centred around farming and local trade. The town’s parish church, St Mary the Virgin, dates back to the 13th century and remains a landmark of historical significance.
With the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, Shenfield underwent significant growth, transforming from a quiet village into a desirable residential area for London commuters. The railway station, opened in 1843, remains a key transport hub, now serving as a crucial interchange on the Elizabeth Line.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Shenfield has continued to thrive, known for its excellent schools, charming high street, and strong sense of community. Despite its modernisation, the town retains much of its historic character, offering a blend of tradition and progress that makes it a sought-after place to live.
As Shenfield continues to evolve, it remains deeply connected to its past while embracing the future, making it one of Essex’s most fascinating and enduring communities.
Hutton
Hutton, , has a rich history dating back to medieval times. Originally a small agricultural village, it was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, highlighting its early significance as a farming community.
Throughout the centuries, Hutton remained largely rural, with its economy based on agriculture and local trades. The construction of Hutton Hall, a grand manor house dating back to the 15th century, marked an important development in the area's history and served as a focal point for the local gentry.
The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century, particularly with the opening of Hutton Junction in 1886, brought gradual change to the village, making it more accessible and leading to suburban development. However, it was the 20th century that saw the most significant transformation, with the expansion of Hutton into a residential suburb, particularly following World War II.
Today, Hutton is best known for its blend of historical charm and modern convenience. It boasts excellent schools, green spaces, and a thriving community, making it a desirable location for families and commuters alike. Despite its growth, Hutton retains much of its historic character, offering a unique mix of past and present that continues to define its identity.
Warley
Summary
Warley is known for its history and residential character. Historically, Warley has been significant for several reasons:
- Military History: Warley was notable for its military connections. It was the site of Warley Barracks, which played a crucial role in the military history of the United Kingdom, especially as a base for the British Army.
- Warley Hospital: This was a significant psychiatric hospital in the area, known initially as Essex County Lunatic Asylum. It was an important institution in the history of mental health treatment in the region.
- Residential Development: In recent years, Warley has become a primarily residential area. The development of new housing, alongside the preservation of older buildings, reflects a blend of the modern and the historical.
- Local Amenities and Lifestyle: The area is known for its pleasant living conditions, green spaces, and community-oriented atmosphere. It offers a variety of local amenities, including shops, schools, and recreational facilities, making it a desirable location for families and commuters.
- Transport and Accessibility: Warley is well-connected, with easy access to major roads and public transport, making it a convenient location for those commuting to London or other parts of Essex.
- Conservation and Heritage: Parts of Warley are designated as conservation areas, reflecting the importance of preserving its historical and architectural heritage.
Overall, Warley represents a blend of historical significance and modern suburban living, maintaining its unique character within the Essex region.
Ingrave and Herongate
Summary
Ingrave and Herongate are two small, adjoining villages. They are often mentioned together due to their close proximity and intertwined histories. The area is known for its picturesque countryside, traditional English village atmosphere, and a sense of community among the residents.
- Location and Geography: The villages are set in a rural part of Essex, surrounded by farmland and woodland. This setting makes them popular for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and horse riding.
- History and Heritage: The area has a rich history, with many historical buildings and landmarks. This includes churches, traditional pubs, and cottages that reflect the architectural styles of different periods.
- Community and Lifestyle: Both villages have a strong sense of community, with various local events and activities throughout the year. There are local clubs, organisations, and traditional events that foster a close-knit community spirit.
- Amenities and Services: Despite their small size, the villages offer essential services such as local shops, schools, and community centers. The proximity to Brentwood provides residents with access to larger supermarkets, a wider range of shops, and additional services.
- Transport and Accessibility: The area is reasonably well connected, with roads leading to larger towns and cities. Public transport services are available, though limited compared to urban areas.
- Real Estate and Demographics: The property market in Ingrave and Herongate typically features a mix of historic homes and more modern developments. The population is diverse, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees.
- Natural Environment: The surrounding Essex countryside offers a peaceful and scenic environment, which is highly valued by residents and visitors alike.
- Cultural and Recreational Activities: While the villages themselves are quiet, they offer a range of recreational activities. Nearby Brentwood and other towns provide additional cultural and entertainment options.
In summary, Ingrave and Herongate are quintessentially English villages known for their beautiful countryside, historic charm, and strong community spirit. They offer a peaceful, rural lifestyle while still being relatively close to larger towns and cities for additional amenities and employment opportunities.
MORE ABOUT INGRAVE AND HERONGATE
Pilgrims Hatch
Summary
'Pilgrims Hatch' literally means Pilgrim's Gate (with 'hatch' being derived from the Old English form of haecc) and, until recently, local schools used a large farmer's gate as a symbol of the area. While no longer common it is still the semi-official symbol of the village. One of the local schools that still has the "gate" incorporated within their school badge is Larchwood Primary School.
The name derived from 12th century Thomas Becket pilgrimages to Canterbury through Brentwood, a popular stopping place at the time, before travelling onto Tilbury for the ferry.
Pilgrims from the Midlands would pass through Pilgrims Hatch en route to Brentwood. At this time Pilgrims Hatch was not recognised as a community as such, having only a few properties in an area which was mainly open countryside and not settled in any numbers until the 20th century. The Chapman & Andre map of 1777 references 'Pilgrims Hatch Common' and shows limited development along what was to become the modern Ongar Road near the junction with Coxtie Green Road (Cox Green then).
The main development of Pilgrims Hatch as a village occurred after World War II.
Although population development may have been quite late, Pilgrims Hatch was home to a critical part of early communications infrastructure with Cable & Wireless having a substantial telegraph radio receiving station built on the junction of Hatch Road and Doddinghurst Road in 1921. (with the associated transmitting station in nearby [North Weald) During World War II this site was considered sufficiently important in the war effort that substantial air defences were also constructed around it. Although some buildings from the site remained early into the 21st century it has now been transformed into housing developments and an extension to Bishops Hall Park.
Doddinghurst
Summary
- Location and Size: Doddinghurst is situated to the east of London. The village is relatively small and is surrounded by picturesque countryside, typical of rural Essex.
- History: Like many English villages, Doddinghurst has a rich history that can be traced back several centuries. It often features historical buildings and landmarks that reflect its past, including a traditional parish church.
- Community and Demographics: The village is characterised by a close-knit community, with a population that might typically consist of a mix of long-term residents and newer arrivals. The demographic profile can vary, but villages like Doddinghurst often have families, retirees, and some commuters who work in nearby towns or in London.
- Amenities and Facilities: Doddinghurst would typically have basic amenities such as a primary school, a local shop, a pub, and a village hall. These facilities serve as central points for community activities and gatherings.
- Transport and Accessibility: Accessibility to larger towns and cities is an important aspect of village life. Doddinghurst might be served by local roads and possibly bus services, offering connections to nearby towns or train stations for commuting to London or other areas.
- Nature and Outdoor Activities: The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and bird-watching, making it an attractive location for those who appreciate a rural lifestyle.
- Local Economy and Employment: The local economy in such villages is often a mix of agriculture, small businesses, and commuting professionals. Employment might be found in nearby towns or in sectors like education, retail, and services within the village.
- Challenges and Developments: Villages like Doddinghurst face challenges such as maintaining local services, dealing with development pressures, and preserving their rural character.
- Cultural and Social Events: Community events, local clubs, and activities play a significant role in village life, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.
Remember, for the most current information about Doddinghurst, it would be best to consult recent sources or the local council's website.
YOUR LOCAL MP AND COUNCIL LEADER
ALEX BURGHART - CONSERVATIVE - BRENTWOOD
LEADER OF BRENTWOOD COUNCIL - CLLR BARRY ASPINALL
LEADER OF BRENTWOOD COUNCIL - CLLR BARRY ASPINALL
Alex Burghart was first elected in Brentwood and Ongar on 8th June 2017 with a Conservative majority of 24,002. He was re-elected on 12th December 2019 with an increased majority of 29,065. Alex was elected for the third time as Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar on 4th July 2024, and was appointed at the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. (MORE INFO)
Contact:
Phone: 020 7219 1613
Email: alex.burghart.mp@parliament.uk
Website: https://www.alexburghart.org.uk/alex-burghart-mp
X.com: https://x.com/alexburghart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexburghartmp/
LEADER OF BRENTWOOD COUNCIL - CLLR BARRY ASPINALL
LEADER OF BRENTWOOD COUNCIL - CLLR BARRY ASPINALL
LEADER OF BRENTWOOD COUNCIL - CLLR BARRY ASPINALL
Councillor Barry Aspinell is the Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, representing the Brentwood Joint Administration Group. Under his leadership, the council has focused on fostering community engagement, enhancing local services, and promoting sustainable development in the borough.
Contact:
Phone: 07958 623233
Email: cllrbarry.aspinell@brentwood.gov.uk