Discover Brentwood, Essex

Brentwood is a town and main settlement in the Borough of Brentwood, in Essex, England. Located some 30 km (20 mi) to the northeast of Charing Cross in Central London, it has a population of 72,000 people (2012 estimate).

Brentwood, Essex, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wilsons_Corner,_Brentwood_-_geograph.org.uk_-_50657.jpg
Author: John Winfield


Discovery of a Bronze Age axe in Brentwood provided evidence of human habitation during that period. The name is believed to be derived from "burnt wood", as it originated from the burning of a wooded area. In the old days, Brentwood was at the crossroad of the old Roman road that runs from Colchester to London and the pilgrimage route to Canterbury.

Little is known of Brentwood until the 19th century. Brentwood Cathedral dates from a parish church built in 1861. It was elevated to cathedral status in 1917. Originally in the Gothic style, the parish church was remodelled in the Italianate Classical style in 1989.

Today Brentwood is a relatively affluent town, ranked the 19th richest in Britain by The Daily Telegraph in 2008. Many of its residents work in the financial services industry in London.

Crown Street shops, Brentwood: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crown_Street_shops,_Brentwood_-_geograph.org.uk_-_54569.jpg
Author: John Winfield

Visiting Brentwood

The nearest London Underground stations are the Epping Tube Station, served by the Central Line, and the Upminster Tube Station, served by the District Line.

If going by car, take the A12 road out of London. Brentwood is to the northeast of Exit 28 on the M25 motorway.

Places of Interest in Brentwood