About Brentwood
Brentwood’s name is derived from ‘Burnt Wood’, referring to a clearing made in the dense forest covering this part of Essex by a fire.
Over time, it became a stopping point for pilgrims travelling to Canterbury and the remains of a 12th Century chapel in the town centre bear testimony to this. This can be found in front of The Baytree Shopping Centre.
Protestant martyr William Hunter was burnt at the stake in Brentwood in 1555. A monument to him was erected by subscription in 1861 at Wilson's Corner. The memorial marker at the corner of Shenfield and Ingrave Road (A1023, Brentwood CM15 8AP) paying homage to the “Boy Martyr of Brentwood.” He was 19 years old. The site is marked by a plaque with the inscription
WILLIAM HUNTER. MARTYR. Committed to the Flames March 26th MDLV.
Christian Reader, learn from his example to value the privilege of an open Bible. And be careful to maintain it
Wikipedia provides much more information about Brentwood. The key points are Brentwood is in the London commuter belt, situated 20 miles (30 km) east-north-east of Charing Cross and close by the M25 motorway. In 2017, the population of the town was estimated to be 54,885.
It is a suburban town with a small shopping area and a high street. Beyond this are residential developments surrounded by open countryside and woodland; some of this countryside lies within only a few hundred yards of the town centre.
Since 1978 Brentwood has been twinned with Roth in Germany, and since 1994 with Montbazon in France. It also has a relationship with Brentwood, Tennessee in the United States.
PLACES TO VISIT
THE CATHEDRAL
In 1917, the Roman Catholic church on Ingrave Road was awarded cathedral status. Between 1989 and 1991 the building was modified to an Italianate Classical style. Brentwood Cathedral is currently the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brentwood.
INGATESTONE HALL
Nearby Ingatestone Hall is noted for its Roman Catholic connections through the Petre family. The hall is a 16th-century manor house built by Sir William Petre at Yenge-atte-Stone. The staunch Petres played a significant role in the preservation of the Catholic faith in England.
Ingatestone Hall, like all other large Tudor houses, is an expression of wealth and status and retains many of the features of a 16th-century knightly residence, despite alterations by descendants who still live in the house. Ingatestone Hall represented the exterior of Bleak House in the 2005 television adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, and also appeared in an episode of the television series Lovejoy. It is open to the public for tours, concerts, and performances; the hall and grounds can be rented for weddings and other occasions
THEATRE & ARTS
Brentwood Theatre is a fully fitted community theatre that serves more than 40 non-professional performing arts groups. Owned and maintained by an independent charity, Brentwood Theatre receives no regular arts funding or subsidy. The Hermitage is used as the centre for Brentwood Youth Service.
The Hermitage youth service operates its own cafe, youth club and a live music venue called The Hermit, and has hosted a number of bands. Their purpose is to promote and encourage youth bands. Both venues co-host the Brentwood Blues Festival.
Brentwood is also home to the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band,
Brentwood's Orchestras for Young People was founded in 1990 and grew to include five ensembles for orchestral instrumentalists of school age, who perform regularly in and around the town. Regular rehearsals and workshops introduce the musicians to a wide variety of music, from well-known classical pieces to modern music.
LEISURE
The Brentwood Centre in the Doddinghurst Road has multiple facilities, indoor and outdoors (Free Parking). These include a swimming pool, learner pool, sports hall, squash courts, gym and fitness studios.
Outside are two all-weather football pitches, a beach volleyball court and Brentwood Town Football Club.
Brentwood Park Ski & Snowboard Centre is in Warley
There are many green spaces and footpaths, some disabled disabled-friendly in the borough. These include Merrymeade Country Park accessed from Sawyers Hall Land and King Georges’ Playing Fields located between Ingrave Road and Hartswood Road.
Bishops Hall play park (opposite the Brentwood Centre) has play equipment for older and younger children.
Thorndon Park is home to the famous Gruffalo Trail.
The Peter Rabbit Trail can be found a few miles away in Langden.
Old MacDonalds Farm is on the outskirts of the town.
The Hopefield Animal Sanctuary can be found on Sawyers Hall Lane and has limited opening hours.
EDUCATION
Brentwood is home to the well-known Independent School.
Secondary schools include Brentwood County High School, Brentwood School, St.Martin’s School and Becket Keys Church of England School.
Primary schools include St Helens Catholic Junior School, St Peters C of E, St Thomas of Canterbury C of E, Warley Primary, Willowbrook Primary, Holly Trees Primary, Hogarth Primary and Larchwood Primary School
HEALTHCARE
When moving into a new area which is unknown, it is good to know where the Primary Healthcare facilities are. There are several GP practices within Brentwood, The Tile House Surgery, The New Surgery, Highwood Surgery, The Brambles, Beechward (in Warley), Mount Avenue Surgery, and Lockleigh Court Surgery. There are many opticians and a few dental practices. The major local hospitals are Queens at Romford, Basildon Hospital and Broomfield in Chelmsford.
Brentwood Community Hospital has diagnostics and outpatients’ services supported by Basildon Hospital from Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. It is also a location at which blood tests are undertaken.
SHOPPING
Sainsbury’s is the only large supermarket in Brentwood. There are, however, a few convenience shops.
There a number of charity shops.
The high street is full of various coffee shops and restaurants. There are also some general shops, including a bookshop, various clothing shops and a post office.
For wider choices, we are not far from Chelmsford and Lakeside shopping Centre in Grays, just 12 miles away.