Chelmsford
Guide to Chelmsford, everything on one page.
One Stop Guide to Chelmsford Essex
Chelmsford Essex: The county town of Essex, Chelmsford is situated on the rivers Chelmer and Can, some thirty two miles from central London. The town has a population of around 120,000, and the Borough of Chelmsford about 165,000. It is a historic town which was the location of a Roman fort in 60 AD. Its parish church St Mary the Virgin became a cathedral in 1914.
Chelmsford History: The site of early Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, Chelmsford was later the site of a Roman fort in around 60 AD, and the town which grew up around the fort was called Caesaromagus (Caesar’s market place). An Anglo Saxon settlement followed the demise of the Romans in Britain, and in the Domesday Book (1086) it was recorded as Celmeresfort, though by 1189 it had taken on its current name of Chelmsford.
During the 13th century, Chelmsford became the county town of Essex and also became the seat of the local assize. During the 14th century many of the citizens of Chelmsford were involved in the Peasants Revolt (1381), a number of the ringleaders were subsequently hung in the town after the revolt was ended by Richard II.
The 17th century saw more executions as the “Witchfinder General” Matthew Hopkins, tried and executed many suspected exponents of witchcraft.
For many centuries an agricultural and market town, Chelmsford became a significant industrial town during the 19th century, producing such products as agricultural machinery, steam engines, traction engines, ball bearings, wirelesses, and electrical engineering products. Its importance in light industry led to its being a bombing target in World War 2, and it was hit on several occasions.
The railway arrived in Chelmsford in 1842 (Eastern Counties Railway) bringing increased prosperity to the town, much as the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation had some 45 years earlier (1797), when it connected Chelmsford with the Blackwater estuary, allowing boats to reach the centre of town from the open sea.
Chelmsford entered a period of decline in the 1980’s, as much of its industry closed down, though it is still a thriving and growing town, mostly due to its proximity to London, and its excellent road and rail connections.
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View Larger Chelmsford Map |
Chelmsford Map: Shown to the right is a satellite map of Chelmsford offering an interesting view of the town.
Chelmsford is situated just off the A12 between Brentwood and Colchester it is around 16 miles from Colchester and about 32 miles from central London.
Chelmsford Postcode: CM1, CM2, and CM3
Chelmsford Dialling Code: 01245
Chelmsford Twinned With: Annonay (France), Backnang (Germany).
Chelmsford Population: 120,000 (town), 164,500 (borough).
Below are just a few of the attractions that you can visit in and around Chelmsford in Essex.
Hylands Park - Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8WQ.
Melbourne Park - Salerno Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2EH.
Chelmsford Cathedral - Address: Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1TY.
Tropical Wings Zoo - Address: Wickford Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5QZ.
Danbury Country Park - Woodhill Common Road, Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 4AN.
Chelmsford is situated just off the A12 between Brentwood and Colchester it is around 16 miles from Colchester and about 32 miles from central London.
Check out the latest weather in Chelmsford here: Chelmsford Weather