Location - the two villages are situated between Brentwood (in which Borough it lies) and Chelmsford in Essex. They immediately abut one another, Ingatestone to the South of the A12 and Fryerning to the North.

Population - there are approximately 5000 residents in about 2200 households. Much the majority are located in Ingatestone.

History - The village of Ingatestone grew up on the busy "Essex Great Road" – now the main A12 from London to Colchester. Kings, queens, politicians, diarists and market traders have all passed through the village along this old Roman highway. Ingatestone Hall, home of the Petre family since the mid-16th century, is today a major tourist attraction, its earliest visitors including Elizabeth I and Mary. In the 18^th century Ingatestone was a major coaching town and the great smallpox inoculator, Daniel Sutton, made his base there.  Neighbouring Fryerning has its own long history with a fine church dating from the 11^th century

Environment - the villages are surrounded by Metropolitan Green Belt land, which both the Parish Council and Brentwood Borough Council defend vigorously. There are two large playing fields and the attractive High Street has many old buildings. The churches in Ingatestone and Fryerning both merit a visit, as does Ingatestone Hall, which is periodically open to the public.

Commerce - there are over 100 shops and businesses in Ingatestone. Amongst the retail outlets are 2 supermarkets, a baker, a butcher, a chemist, an ironmonger, an electrical shop, several clothes shops and hairdressers, specialist shops, restaurants, public houses and estate agents. The businesses represented include accountants, solicitors, insurance, architects, information technology, engineering and education.

Education - there are Infant, Junior and Secondary Schools. The first two serve the local community only, the latter (The Anglo European School), in addition to local children, attracts pupils from all over Essex and North East London. In addition there are a number of pre-school groups.

Communication - the M25 is 10 minutes away and the A12 provides access to London to the South West and Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich to the North East. There is a railway station, which serves the same towns. The service to London is hourly off-peak, and more frequent during rush-hour.

Social Activities - there is a thriving Community Association at which there are both bowls and tennis clubs. Ingatestone also has cricket and football teams. In addition there are a range of clubs and societies (see Directory Page) covering such diverse interests as history, photography, bridge and opera.

Medical – there are both medical and dental practices in Ingatestone.

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