Halstead is a town and civil parish found in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is in close proximity to Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. In accordance with the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town initially grew on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is claimed to have derived from the Old English 'hald' (refuge, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of refuge'. The historic core of Halstead can be spotted on a walk up the market hill. There are a number of social, cultural and leisure opportunities in Halstead. A river walk goes through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular area for taking a walk owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were created in 1900 and is noted for its flower displays. Townsford Mill that stretches over the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with countless intriguing pieces ranging from clothing to home items. A historical society routinely holds month-to-month meetings, and a town museum attached to the town council offices holds some historical artefacts and a range of things limited to local interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts infrequent bingo nights. Halstead is also home to Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the very same shop. Halstead's best football club is Halstead Town F.C. The club plays in the 10th tier of the English football league system, in the Eastern Counties Football League Division One. The town is also the home of a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home improvements, make sure to find credible experts in Halstead to make certain of quality.