Overview of Halstead

Halstead is a town and civil parish located in Braintree District of Essex, England, near Colchester and Sudbury. It has a population of 11,053. The town is situated in the Colne Valley, and originally developed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is said to have derived from the Old English hald (refuge, shelter, healthy) and stede (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of refuge'. http://www. halsteadhistory. org. uk/History. html The single wide High Street is dominated by the 14th century church of St Andrew which was extensively renovated during the Victorian period but retains much earlier decoration including tomb monuments dating from the 14th century and earlier. Halstead has been home to the well-known author, Sheila Jacobs (writer of various Christian novels, including Watchers), as well as Darts professional Bobby George and angler Bob Nudd. Its main attractions include a local Antiques Mill, the location of filming for some episodes of the television programme, Lovejoy. It is also the home of 2010's X Factor winner Matt Cardle and Richard Bryant who has lived here since 1957. Former Ramsey School pupil and White Horse Avenue resident, Steve Lamacq is a Radio 2 DJ. Nearby Moyns Park, a Grade I listed Elizabethan country house, is said to have been where Ian Fleming put the finishing touches on his novel From Russia, with Love.