History
Traces of Bronze Age occupation have been found in the parish, including the Portingbury Hills mound in Hatfield forest.
The settlement of Hatfield was well established by the time of the Norman Conquest and its Domesday Book population of 115 put it as the ninth biggest settlement in Essex. At one time a royal manor of Harold I, it fell under the possession of William I. Popular for hunting in the neighbouring forest, its royal patronage led to its becoming known as Hatfield Regis, or King's Hatfield, partly to distinguish it from Hatfield Peverel, also in Essex.
By the time the priory was dissolved, the town had over 1000 residents.
Read more about this topic: Hatfield Broad Oak
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