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The name Navestock means stump on the headland. It is derived from the landscape of this RM4 area. Two boundary stones mark the western edge of this parish that used to be the part of the ancient Essex forest. The common land was enclosed in 1770. Navestock was part of the ancient hundred of Ongar. Until 1894, it was in the Ongar Rural District. In 1955, it became a part of the Epping and Ongar Rural District. Since 1974, it is included in the borough of Brentwood. The present-day settlement has the same boundaries as the old parish. The M25 runs through the western part of this area.
Even though Navestock is located quite close to London, there is only a small number of people who permanently live in the area. The number reached its peak in 1851 when records mention 982 inhabitants. The population since decreased. In 2001, 510 people were living here. In 2011, the number slightly increased to 585. However, it is believed that the real number of residents is much bigger than the official one. Navestock still maintains a rural character. There are no main roads in this area of South East London.
Navestock did not benefit from major housing developments. It also doesn’t feature a traditional nucleated village like other areas. The most developed areas surround Navestock Side and Navestock Heath. The area has a medieval church that is about a mile north of the heath. The area was an early center for cricket. The sport has been played on the green at Navestcok Side since the 18th century. Abbotswick Hall is one of the landmarks of the area. It was the seat of Adam Chadwick in 1817. Nowadays, it is a Catholic retreat center that dates from about 1800. The place has been rebuilt in the early 20th century.