Pilgrims Hatch
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pilgrims Hatch | |
|
  |
|
| Population | 5000 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Brentwood |
| Shire county | Essex |
| Region | East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Brentwood |
| Postcode district | CM15 |
| Dial code | 01277 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | Brentwood and Ongar |
| European Parliament | East of England |
| List of places: UK • England • Essex | |
Pilgrims Hatch is a village in the borough of Brentwood in Essex, United Kingdom.
Contents |
[edit] Name
'Pilgrims Hatch' literally means Pilgrims Gate and, until recently, local schools used a large farmers gate as a symbol of the area. While no longer common it is still the semi-official symbol of the village.
[edit] Features
While small, and in modern times rather sub-serviant to the large town of Brentwood, Pilgrims Hatch does contain some features of note.
[edit] Culture
The Brentwood Centre is situated on the edge of Pilgrims Hatch, and is the centre of sport, leisure, and musical events within the area. Many artists of note have performed here including: David Essex, Chuck Berry, Daniel O'Donnell, Lee Evans, and many more. There is an annual Brentwood Festival held here, as well as the traditional firework spectacular in the autumn months.
[edit] Faith
Surprisingly there are few churches in Pilgrims Hatch. There is an Evangelical church on its border with Brentwood (the border is unnoticeable, occurring as it does on a well populated road). Also, at the other extreme; towards Kelvedon Hatch and Ongar, there is an excellent example of a classic Essex flint built church. This church's rectory next door is particularly fine, but is no longer associated with the property.
The Peniel Church calls the area its home. This controversial, Christian sect – called a cult by some – has generated controversy. It was alleged that they were the instigators of an attempt to take over the Brentwood Conservative Party. This scandal attracted national attention.
There is also a Baptist Church[1] which has no building of its own but meets on Sundays at Larchwood Primary School.
[edit] Local services
The area relies on, mainly, the larger Brentwood high street stores and supermarkets, but has many local shops including butchers, wool suppliers, antique dealers, and other small business. It also is well served by local restaurants and take aways. Not to mention the numerous pubs that pepper the area; some of which date back to the 15th century or earlier.
[edit] Places of interest
Nearby in Brentwood is Thomas à Becket Chapel, a wonderful ruined chapel that dates back to the 12th century.
Also nearby is Greensted Church, a few minutes from Ongar, the oldest wooden church in the world.
Between Pilgrims Hatch and Ongar is a Secret Nuclear Bunker, an ex-government shelter now owned by a farmer who has turned it into a local tourist attraction. The road signs to this point of interest never cease to cause amusement to non-locals, and occasionally turn up in internet humour sites.
[edit] Travel links
Pilgrims Hatch has a frequent, if underfunded, set of buses that serve the area.
