The White Horse a History

Brentwood Essex began as a small clearing in the middle of a forest, created by a fire, and had the original name of 'Burntwood'. A few people began to settle there as it was on the crossroads of the old Roman road from Colchester to London and the route the pilgrims took over the Thames to Canterbury. It subsequently grew into a small town. In 1227 a market charter was granted which helped the town continue growing.

As the Roman road grew busier Brentwood became a major coaching stage, with plenty of inns for overnight accommodation whilst the horses were rested. This has left an above average number of pubs in the area - some of the pubs date back to the 15th and 16th Centuries.