Chelmsford the County town of Essex is an ancient city, which lies on the Rivers Chelmer and Can. It’s positioning within the county, and road links to London, lpswich and Colchester have made the town an important thoroughfare since Roman times, and was even the national seat of government in 1381 for a short period.

Chelmsford and Essex Museum at Oaklands Park, contains Roman, Victorian and glass rooms and many exhibits relating to local history, as well as a beehive with live bees. The fighting history of the Essex Regiment can also be explored here. For entertainment Chelmsford has a Civic Theatre in Duke Street, and theatre workshop as well as a number of art galleries and comedy clubs. The County Cricket team play here and there is also a football team.

This County town was the first to have electric street lights and radio broadcasting was also pioneered in Chelmsford by Marconi, who went on to develop his electronic industry in the area. Historical buildings include the Shire Hall, built by John Johnson in 1789, the Parish Church of Saint Mary with it’s 15th century tower and 18th century open lantern spire, and more recently the County Hall built in 1935.