Skip to main content

History & heritage

The new (1991) Roman Catholic classical cathedral church of St Mary and St Helen incorporates part of the original Victorian church

Brentwood began as a clearing made in the woods by burning trees (hence 'burnt wood' which became Brentwood) to provide a stop-off point about one day's journing from the Thames for pilgrims en route from East Anglia to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury

The Hall stands in open countryside, one mile from the village of Ingatestone and substantially retains its original Tudor form and appearance with its mullioned windows, high chimneys, crow-step gables and oak-panelled rooms and is surrounded by ten acres of enclosed gardens comprising extensive lawns, walled garden and stew pond. 

The nearest Essex mill to London, Grade II-listed Mountnessing Post Mill is often photographed and sees many visitors

Warley Place Nature Reserve is a 25 acre site with a house and once famous Edwardian gardens belonging to Ellen Willmott. It is now maintained as a nature reserve by Essex Wildlife Trust. There are some spectacular flowers to be enjoyed throughout the year, especially in the Spring.

Famous for its deer park and Stick Man trail, Weald boasts spectacular views and space, covering over 520 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland.