west. John Ray (1627–1705) – naturalist, born in nearby Black Notley. Louie Spence (b. 1969) – dance expert, choreographer and television personality. Sir Evelyn Wood (1838–1919) – field marshal, Victoria Cross recipient. Further reading Published histories of Braintree & Bocking include: May Cunnington & Stephen Warner:'Braintree & Bocking'(1906); W. F. Quinn: A History of Braintree & Bocking (Lavenham Press, 1981); Michael Baker: The Book of Braintree & Bocking (Barracuda Books, 1981, Baron Books 1992); John Marriage: Braintree & Bocking A Pictorial History (Phillimore, 1994). Joan M Richmond: Nine Letters from an Artist The Families of William Gillard (Porphyrogenitus, 2015). . References https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/eastofengland/ External links Braintree District Council Towns in Essex Former civil parishes in Essex Braintree District Market towns in Essex