THE remains of a 12th Century chapel dedicated to St Thomas a Beckett in the very heart of Brentwood bear testimony to the town’s origins as a stopping point on the pilgrimage trail to Canterbury.

After Henry III granted the town a royal charter to hold markets, Brentwood developed into a centre for trade.

Today, its bustling High Street and surrounding streets reflects this is still a well-to-do place. Chic boutiques and popular restaurants, along with a vibrant club scene show it is an exciting place to visit.

Fans of alpine sports can get their snowsports kicks all year round at Brentwood Park.

Set in over 50 acres of beautiful woodland, the centre offers facilities and tuition for boarders and skiers of all abilities.

Next door is a fantastic kart track and the park’s amenities also offer a golf-driving range and a Chinese restaurant.

Brentwood’s theatre is renowned for the quality of its productions and varied programme of shows and events, while the large Brentwood Centre plays host to an eclectic mix of sports events, festivals and gigs by some of the UK’s most celebrated artists.

The ghosts of Brentwood’s historic past may be less tangible, as very little physical evidence remains of its ancient past. However, the town is best known for being the scene of the first outpourings of discontent that escalated into the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381.

With its origins dating back to the 13th Century, Marygreen Manor is a charming half-timbered hotel that was once the home of Henry Roper, who served in the court of Henry VIII’s wife, Catherine of Aragon.

It is said Henry was a regular visitor, while Samuel Pepys mentions Marygreen in one of his diaries.

Arguably the most gruesome episode in the town’s history witnessed the martyrdom of William Hunter, a silkweaver’s apprentice. Aged just 19, Hunter refused to give up his protestant faith and was burnt at the stake in 1555. A monument to him stands at Wilson’s Corner, located at the top of the High Street.

The neo-Classical cathedral, just off the High Street was.

designed by Sir Quinlan Terry.