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One of the most attractive of the many towns that are scattered across East Anglia, Halstead stands on the banks of the river Colne in the quiet and largely unspoilt north Essex countryside towards the Suffolk border. However, new faster roads from Braintree to Stansted airport and the M11 and to Chelmsford and the A12, have made Halstead more accessible. Halstead makes an ideal base from which to explore East Anglia. The east coast ports, too, are within quite close distance.

Halstead has had a long history and one that was for many decades linked with the making of textiles and with the name of Courtaulds. Although that business left the town some years ago and the equally famous Tortoise stoves are no longer made here, Halstead has newer industries that flourish in the town and its industrial estates. Commercially, too, Halstead is important and its weekly market sees the High Street and adjacent shopping area crowded with people from a wide surrounding area. This shopping centre, which sees predominantly locally owned specialist stores with a few national multiples, is within a designated conservation area that includes a number of listed buildings of more than passing interest. The major building, dominant at the top of the street, is St. Andrews Church with its splendid tower and its notable Bouchier tombs and effigies. At the bottom of the main street, and lapped by the waters of the Colne, is Townsford Mill, once part of the Courtauld empire but now a large antique centre on the first and second floors and a restaurant on the ground floor. Next door the old mill manager’s house is now home to Halstead Town Council. In the future it is hoped that there will be a small museum.

With a population of over 11,000, Halstead grows slowly but steadily and it has several estates of modern houses as well as the expected amenities of 21st century life. Schools are of a high standard and local health facilities include a hospital and medical centre. Leisure opportunities, too, are of a high standard with most sports catered for. There are several playing fields and a new leisure centre and swimming pool. Clubs and organisations for all ages and interests can be found and the town’s community spirit is typified by the Empire, a popular local theatre used for weekly bingo and an increasing number of live shows.

Annual events include, the Halstead Marathon and Fun Run; in August the Halstead Hospital League of Friends Fete, a fun run in October and in December the Festive Late Night Opening in the High Street, the switching on of the Christmas Lights and the colourful Annual Christmas Torchlight Procession followed by the Carol Concert in the Public Gardens .

Halstead therefore has a great deal to offer both inhabitants and visitors alike. It is a place to enjoy and linger in, at any time of year.