a small town in the county of Essex and hundred of Uttlesford, thirty-four miles from London. It derives its name from an ancient castle, built on an artificial mount about a quarter of a mile from the church, some relics of which are still visible. The hamlet of Bentfield is comprehended in the parish, and their united population was, in 1801, 1285; in 1811, 1334; in 1821, 1518; and in 1831, 1550.