Fun historical places to explore in Brentwood, Billericay and Upminster

Ingatestone Hall is one mile out of the pretty village of Ingatestone surrounded by open countryside.  It is occupied by the Petre family and retains its original Tudor appearance with its high chimneys, oak panelled rooms and walled gardens.  There are guided tours which are run during the summer and all details can be found on their website.  The car park is free in the Meadow Car Park and refreshments and lunches are served in the summer Parlour Café when the house is open, no prebooking required.

To find out more information please click on the link below –

https://www.ingatestonehall.com/

Upminster Windmill is due to open in April 2023 after a large renovation. Easter 2022 see a one off open day where visitors got a taste of how it will be when the renovation is completed and the mill is open again.  Eventually the grounds, visitors centre and garden will also be open to the public.  Parking will be across the road at New Windmill Hall.  The Windmill was built by James Nokes, a local farmer in 18-3 and is now a Grade 2 listed building and is one of the best English smock mills which remains.  They also won the best Communal Garden in Havering Bloom in 2021. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity you can contact the team on [email protected].

Stock Windmill is located in Mill Lane, Stock and is a Grade II listed tower mill built around 1804.  There was once three mills on site run by the Baker in the village and on open days the guides will be able to demonstrate how the grain was converted into flour. There are several floors of machinery and the sails are still in working order.  Weather permitting these will turn 360 degrees on open days and can visit all the floors and have a picnic in the grounds.  Stock Windmill is close by to Dandelion Coffee Shop where you can get refreshments before and after your visit. You can also have a walk through the village and visit All Saints Church which is Grade I listed.

For more information click on the link below –

https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do/stock-windmill-p1268001

Brentwood Cathedral was built in 1861 smaller in style as a parish church. The church had a Gothic style when it was first built and became a Cathedral in 1917.  Over the years the church has been enlarged and now has an Italianate classical style which happened between 1989 and 1991.  This relatively small building was raised to cathedral status in 1917. The cathedral was listed as Grade II and hosts daily morning masses, Saturday evening vigil Mass and a cathedral choir on Sundays during term time.

To find out more information please click on the link below –

https://cathedralbrentwood.org/brentwood-cathedral-masses/