Great Bardfield was once a small market town but is now a village which still retains some of the trappings of its original status such as the 'Town Hall'. Many of the timber-framed houses date from the 14th and 15th centuries and, along with the beauty of the surrounding countryside, have inspired many artists and designers like Edward Bawden, John Aldridge and Michael Rothenstein to live and work here. The delightful St Mary the Virgin is known for its medieval stone rood screen and the church of St. Katherine (Little Bardfield) about 1.5 half miles west of the village and dates from 1042. It is known for its distinctive huge Saxon tower, although the interior is very simple.