Brentwood is a large suburban town north-east of London and south-west of Chelmsford, and sits on the London commuter belt. It’s roots are historic, with the ancient Roman Pye Road (or the Great Road) from London to Colchester cutting through its centre. Nowadays, Brentwood is well-known for being one of the most affluent areas of Essex. With the recent opening of the Elizabeth line that connects Brentwood to Paddington, the area is only but growing! Populated with lavish apartments, large country manors, terraced houses and new developments, the area’s housing stock is well established and high-budget.

Although the Great Road ran through Brentwood, there’s no evidence to suggest any Roman settlements in the area. Originally built on cleared woodland, the origins of Brentwood and its history are largely the history of Thomas A Becket, or, Saint Thomas of Canterbury. Saint Thomas was canonised by Pope Alexander III in 1173, following his demise at the hands of followers of the King Henry II. His tomb at Canterbury became a site of religious pilgrimage, and the area of Brentwood developed as a stop-off point for the pilgrims, with Brentwood being only a day’s journey from the tomb. In 1221 the first chapel dedicated to serving the pilgrims was constructed, and the ruins can still be seen on Brentwood’s high street today! The town then, following King Henry III’s royal charter, developed into a thriving market town, which is still felt in the layout and feel of the town today.

Whilst Saint Thomas of Canterbury helped to form the town of Brentwood, it’s probably most well-known nowadays for being the heart and soul of ITV’s reality show ‘The Only Way is Essex’. Most of the show and a majority of the people in the show, are from Brentwood! Although this association has been greeted with joy and scorn from residents, its undoubtedly what Brentwood is known for today.

Brentwood North has the second largest population in Brentwood, after Brentwood West, and is suburbanised. Although only 20% of Brentwood is built-up, with the majority of space dedicated to green wedges, farmland, pastures, and forest. Due to Brentwood’s history, resident’s are largely dissatisfied with developments to Brentwood’s centre. However, Brentwood Council’s 2016-2033 Adopted Local Plan includes £60 million dedicated to the construction of new council homes throughout Brentwood. This include the Highwood Close developments in Brentwood North, which aims to build 12 homes. So, there is still plenty of space to develop outwards in Brentwood!