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. In accordance with 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' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of refuge'. The historic core of Halstead can be viewed on a walk up the market hill. There are plenty of social, cultural and leisure options 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 strolling owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were created in 1900 and is noted for its flower displays. Townsford Mill that traverses the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of fascinating pieces ranging from clothes to household items. A historical society consistently holds regular monthly meetings, and a town museum connected to the town council offices features some historical artefacts and several items limited to local interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts periodic 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 additionally home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home improvements, make certain to find trusted contractors in Halstead to make certain of quality.