Halstead is a town and civil parish found in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is near Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. According to the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town initially formed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is believed to have actually come from the Old English 'hald' (sanctuary, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of sanctuary'. The historic core of Halstead can be spotted on a walk up the market hill. There are numerous social, cultural and leisure opportunities in Halstead. A river walk runs through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular space for taking a walk owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were developed in 1900 and is noted for its floral arrangements. Townsford Mill that spans the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of intriguing pieces ranging from clothing to household objects. A historical society consistently holds regular monthly meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices contains some historical artefacts and various items limited to regional interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts occasional bingo nights. Halstead is also the home of Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the very same store. Halstead's premier 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 your home refurbishments, be sure to find respected professionals in Halstead to make certain of quality.