Panfield is a small village located high on the west bank of the ‘Pant Valley’. It is three miles northwest of the ancient town of Braintree in the county of Essex. Panfield almost certainly gets its name from the Saxon ‘Panfelda‘ meaning: “open country on the banks of the river Pant”. It is believed to have been settled by the Saxons between the 5th and 10th centuries. The first known reference to Panfield is in the Doomsday Book of 1086.

Panfield has a mix of housing from the very early (Panfield Hall) to 20th century rural housing. There are also bungalows, cottages and some modern small-scale developments.

The Bell Public House has stood in the village since the 1400s. The church of St Mary and St Christopher has its origins in the 5th century. But the building seen today is 15th century. It’s walls are flint, pebble-rubble, and ironstone.

The population of about 841 (2011 Census) has changed little for a number of years. This reflects the slow growth encouraged by the Village Design Statement . Drawn up by residents in 2014, it sets out the vision to retain Panfield’s special character.

Read more about the village plus the village sign.