BRENTWOOD ESSEX AND THE STORY OF THOMAS A' BECKET IN 850 YEARS

 As a local history writer and broadcaster, I enjoy writing about the places in which I've lived, mainly in Essex,  and, from the deluge of blog readers, it seems that many expats also like reading about the places where they grew up. This has brought me interesting contacts with residents of the various 'Brentwoods'  around the world (and there are many), primarily in America and Canada. I've recently discovered this intriguing old brochure written in 1970 to publicise the town's Becket Festival Year which then celebrated their 800 years.

Although my latest book BRENTWOOD IN 50 BUILDINGS is also linked to Brentwood Cathedral's history (see front cover), among many other interesting  buildings, I am  still studying the origins of the town which are intrinsically linked to Henry ll's Archbishop of Canterbury's Thomas Becket who was canonised after his murder in Canterbury Cathedral in December 1170.  The strength of  feeling in England and Western Europe after Thomas Becket's death, was shown by the increasing number of pilgrims passing through 'Burntwood hamlet' on their way to visit the saint's shrine at Canterbury to pay homage. The story is a fascinating one and modern day Brentwood still retains the ruins of the St Thomas' Chapel built in 1221 which can be found and visited in Brentwood High Street today. 

 I also discovered another super book reviewer Jim Reeve:

 What an interesting read! I thought I knew Brentwood but Sylvia’s book has opened my mind to what I have missed. The accurate research that has gone into it must have taken ages and out of the 500 listed buildings in Brentwood, Sylvia has chosen wisely and her selection of 50 are full of interest.  She obtained many original photographs and gives the history of each building in a most descriptive and interesting form.        

      It is difficult to believe that the thriving town of Brentwood today was once a small hamlet in the parish of South Weald that was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Brentwood came into its own after Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170 after which he was canonised. Pilgrims from all over the Country flocked to Canterbury Cathedral, travelling via the ancient Essex Great Road to Brentwood, where they rested. As a result, Brentwood is mentioned in many early historical documents. 

      In giving the history of the buildings, Sylvia mentions the many famous people who lived in or visited them. For example, Henry Roper lived in Marygreen Manor and held the stewardship of the young Princess Catherine of Aragon, who first married Prince Arthur and then, on his death, married Henry V111 and became Queen of England. Byron stayed in Gilstead Hall (built in 1726) while visiting his friend and legal advisor, James Hanson. Doctor Samuel Johnson camped in the grounds of Warley in 1778 while visiting the troops and found it very uncomfortable. Soon after, in 1805, the Army built barracks on the land. These were extended by the East India Company when they took over but the Army reclaimed them and used the barracks throughout the two World Wars. In1960 Fords took over the area and demolished the buildings, establishing their European Headquarters in their place.           

    It is said that in 1555 a young Protestant named Hunter spent his last night on earth inThe Swan Public House, before he was burnt at the stake during the reign of Queen Mary. 

    There is so much information in this book on the history of Brentwood and the 50 buildings that, in such limited space, it is impossible to do it justice and I respectfully suggest you go out and buy a copy and like me, you will not be able to put it down!