Great Bardfield at one time a small market town, now a village that jealously retains the trappings of its erstwhile importance, for example a 'Town Hall'.

As well as its status as a market town, Great Bardfield was also well known for its horse fair, which was held annually in June, this event survived for almost 150 years, finally ending during the 1930's.

Thriving towns need efficient transport links and to that end Great Bardfield was no exception. To meet this need it was proposed that a rail link be built connecting Great Bardfield to the Thaxted rail terminus (now defunct), but it was not to be and the proposal was abandoned in 1906. It is said that the façade of a number of buildings in Great & Little Bardfield reflect the railway architecture of the time.

During the 1800's and for approximately 20 years, the towns street lights were run on gas provided by the Great Bardfield Gas Works. When the gas company ceased trading those same lights were converted to paraffin burning.