Holbrook, Norfolk County, Massachusetts Situated 18 miles south of Boston, Holbrook was originally inhabited by Algonquian-speaking peoples, and first settled by Europeans (mostly British colonists) in 1710 as the southern part of Old Braintree. In 1793, the town of Randolph broke from Braintree and incorporated itself. 79 years later on February 29, 1872, what was known as East Randolph, officially incorporated itself as the Town of Holbrook. The town was named for benefactor Elisha N. Holbrook, who provided the town with the funds for the town hall and library upon incorporation.