Brentwood is a town located in the Southeastern corner of New Hampshire, in the Seacoast region of the state. It is situated in central Rockingham County and encompasses a total area of 17 square miles, only .2 of which is water. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town was home to 4,486 residents.
Historically, the Brentwood area was called home by the Pennacook Abenaki Indians. They used the land to farm, fish and hunt, and created two main trails through the town. In recent years, many stone and wood artifacts have been found along these trails. The town was originally a part of Exeter and was known simply as Brentwood Parish. Though residents of the area fought for separation for several years, it wasn?t until 1742 that it was granted. Brentwood then became independent and was officially incorporated by Governor Benning Wentworth.
Though only .2 square miles of Brentwood is water, the town includes parts of several bodies of water, including Exeter River, Piscataqua River and Little River. The area’s highest point occurs at Great Hill, where elevation reaches just 275 feet.
Brentwood is governed by an elected Board of Selectmen. The town boasts a full-time and part-time police department, a full-time and on-call fire department and municipal emergency medical services. Children in the area attend schools in the New Hampshire School Administrative Unit 16, which also serves the nearby downs of East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington and Newfields. The largest employers in the area include NEI, Difeo Oil Co., Bayside Distribution ORS, Rockingham County Courthouse, Stratham Tire, Brentwood Machine, Highland Hardwood, United Machine, Rockingham County Home & Jail and The Provider.
The town of Brentwood has its own recreation department, which boasts a variety of programs and activities for local residents. The department offers adult programs, including yoga classes, zumba, coed softball and more, as well as youth programs such as soccer, archery, surf camp, science and engineer classes, babysitting training and more.