Halstead is a town and civil parish found in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is bordering Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. According to the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town originally grew on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is claimed to have actually come from the Old English 'hald' (refuge, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of haven'. The historic core of Halstead can be observed on a walk up the market hill. There are lots 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 place for walking owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were established in 1900 and is noted for its flower displays. Townsford Mill that spans the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with countless intriguing pieces ranging from clothes to home products. A historical society consistently holds monthly conferences, and a town museum attached to the town council offices contains some historic artefacts and several things confined to regional interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts occasional bingo nights. Halstead is also home to Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the very same store. Halstead's most well known 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 home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all your home renovations, make certain to find reputable contractors in Halstead to make certain of quality.