The Essex town of Brentwood grew up at a stopping place on the main route into London from Colchester, in a clearing in the forest that covered much of the region. This was also the medieval pilgrim route to Canterbury, and as such the parish church is dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury. Many inns and hostelries catered for the travellers, some of which are still standing today, and a number of large houses and Brentwood School are evidence of the...