Fairstead is a village and civil parish in the Braintree district of Essex, England. Whilst isolated in a community of farming hamlets, the parish of Fairstead has close connections with Great Leighs and is 9.8 miles from Chelmsford, Essex's capital. The parish encompasses the hamlets of Fuller Street and Rank's Green. Fairstead had a population of 290 according to the 2011 census. In the 1870s, Fairstead was described as being:
Meaning of name
The name 'Fairstead' originates from Old English, meaning 'fair place'. Fair meaning fair, beautiful or pleasant. Stead meaning 'A place, a site, a locality; a religious house or foundation; a place of communal activity; a farm, a dairy-farm, an estate.' Fair probably means a travelling fair. Thus 'fairstrad' is the place where a fair was held.
Population
In the Domesday Book of 1086, Fairstead had a total population of "17 households". The population of Fairstead has increased 90 since the introduction of the census in 1801. Other than a peak increase of 150 in 1831, increasing the population to 350, which over the next few decades fell to 250 and levelled off, the population of Fairstead hasn't risen or fallen significantly. In 1881, Fairstead's population was predominately male, with men outnumbering women 82:64. The majority of males listed their occupation as working in agriculture, with 66 of the males working as farmers or a similar occupation. 48 of the 66 women in Fairstead were listed as "Unknown Occupation", this possibly indicate that they worked at home or were housewives. According to the 2011 Census, there are 133 households in Fairstead, accommodating 290 people; 158 males 132 females. Of these 290 people, 156 are in work. The majority of the workers, 33 are in senior positions, such as managers and directors. Unlike in previous decades, few people are employed in the agriculture industry, only 10 people are employed in this industry.
Education
In 1818, the education in Fairstead consisted of, "A day school, supported at the expense of the rector, containing 20 children. The poor have ample means of educating children." Education had developed by 1833, with Fairstead having "One Day and Sunday School, supported by the Rector, in which 22 males and 18 females attend daily, and 12 males and 4 females in addition on Sundays." By 1867 attendance and facilities had increased: Nowadays the nearest primary and secondary schools are located in; Great Leighs, Terling and White Notley. A lack of higher and further education is indicated as 23% of over 16's have no formal qualifications. Whereas 13.5% of 16's have 5 or more GCSE's.
