Shenfield: Difference between revisions
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[[Category:Villages in Essex]] |
[[Category:Villages in Essex]] |
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[[Category:Brentwood]] |
[[Category:Brentwood]] |
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It is a loveley, safe town near Brentwood, Essex |
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Revision as of 13:32, 20 July 2010
Shenfield is a small town in the London Commuter Belt in the borough of Brentwood in Essex, England.
History
The name originates from the Saxon Chenefield, meaning 'good lands'.
The old village, by the church and Green Dragon pub, lay along the original Roman road, now the A1023, which once carried legions of marching soldiers.
Nathaniel Ward, a Puritan clergyman and author, was made minister of the Shenfield church in 1648 and held that office until his death in 1652.
Geography
Shenfield, with Hutton, is part of the conurbation of Brentwood. The original village centre[1] is located one mile (1.6km) north-east of the centre of Brentwood. Apart from some small industrial areas and a modest but busy shopping area, Shenfield serves predominantly as a dormitory town for commuters to London and surrounding towns such as Chelmsford and Basildon. This is facilitated by easy access to the A12 and the M25 and rail services. Shenfield railway station, located on the Great Eastern Main Line and a junction for services for the Southend and Southminster services, is situated at the end of the high street and will gain more significance as the CrossRail project proceeds since it is intended to be the eastern terminus.
The parish church is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin[2] and St Mary's primary school[3] is located nearby.
Shenfield's recreational areas include the Courage playing fields on the Chelmsford Road and playing fields on Alexander Lane, next to Shenfield High School. The Courage playing fields contain a play area and a cricket pitch used by the third team of Shenfield Cricket Club [4]. Next door to the Courage playing fields is the cricket club itself. The land was granted by the Courage brewing family for use by the cricket club. The club's badge is a cockerel, which echos both the trade mark of the Courage brand and the weathervane on St Mary's church.
The erstwhile village of Hutton, to the east of Shenfield, is now largely part of built up area.
Transport
By 2017, Shenfield will act as the East railway terminus for the £16bn Crossrail project which cuts through the heart of London, connecting Essex to Berkshire.