Shenfield

Shenfield
Essex
St Mary the Virgin, Shenfield
Location
Grid reference:	TQ614950
Location:	51°37’47"N, 0°19’9"E
Data
Population:	5,432  (2011)
Postcode:	CM15
Dialling code:	01277
Local Government
Council:	Brentwood
Parliamentary constituency:	Brentwood & Ongar

Shenfield is an ancient parish that forms a commuter suburb of Brentwood in Essex.

History

The name originates from the Anglo-Saxon Chenefield, meaning 'good lands'.

The old village, by the church and Green Dragon pub, lies along the original Roman road (now the A1023) which linked London and Colchester.

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 town centre is located one mile 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 Romford and Basildon. This is facilitated by easy access to the A12 and the M25 and rail services.

The parish church is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin and St Mary's primary school 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. 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 echoes both the trade mark of the Courage brand and the weathervane on St Mary's church.

The town of Hutton, to the east of Shenfield, is now largely part of the built-up area.

Transport

Shenfield railway station is located on the Great Eastern Main Line and is a junction for services to Southend and Southminster which are accessed via changing at Wickford. Shenfield is also the terminus for the all-stops service to Liverpool Street, with off-peak frequencies of 6 trains per hour. The station is situated at the eastern end of the high street.

Shenfield's significance in the London Commuter Belt will increase as the Crossrail project proceeds since it is intended to be the eastern terminus.

Schools

There are two state secondary school and two state primary schools. These are Shenfield High School and St Martins School, Shenfield St Mary's, Church of England school, and Long Ridings just on the edge of town between Shenfield and Hutton.

Retail and shopping

The shopping area in Shenfield is very suburban and was built in the 1930s. The shops include many bespoke local shops and business and some national chains including a Costa Coffee, a Tesco Express, a Co-operative Food, Barclays Bank, Martins newsagent and a branch of Rowlands Pharmacy.

Development

With CrossRail arriving in Shenfield by 2018 the area especially Hutton Road, the town centre, is being redeveloped. The station forecourt will be changed drastically. The busy congested taxi rank will be relocated as well as the road being cobbled and new trees being planted and information point. Street lights in Hutton Road are being upgraded.

References

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Shenfield)