Braintree (and neighbouring Bocking) has a long and fascinating history – emerging from the forests of the Bronze Age as an important and flourishing market town, located at the crossroad of Roman roads it provides a perfect destination for a day trip or short break exploring the delights of North Essex.
The 14th-century woollen cloth trade brought prosperity to the area leaving a legacy of fine architecture and listed buildings, whilst the end of the 18th century heralded the arrival of the Huguenots, silk weaving and the famous name of Courtauld. Generations of this generous family not only provided the increasing population with work and housing but also left to the town the magnificent former town hall, its grand central tower with striking clock dominating the town square. A bronze fountain of a young boy with shell and fish designed by John Hodge and standing alongside St. Michael’s Church was yet another gift to the people of Braintree as was the handsome Victorian school, which is now an award-winning museum.