Chelmsford

Chelmsford is in Essex, England.

Understand

World-famous for being the birthplace of radio, Chelmsford is the county town and the first city of Essex, England. It is almost exactly in the centre of the county and it has been the county town of Essex since 1215. It is also the seat of the Borough of Chelmsford, which covers a wider area than the city, including the new (ca. 1970s) settlement of South Woodham Ferrers on the banks of the River Crouch. The Borough Council celebrated its centenary in 1988 (it had been incorporated as a municipal borough in 1888 under the Municipal Corporations Act 1882), and the city its 800th anniversary in 1999. Chelmsford was made a city on the Queen's diamond jubilee in March 2012.

See

• ⊙Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, CM1 1TY (Located directly behind The Shire Hall), ☎ +44 1245 294492. The church of St Mary the Virgin in Chelmsford was probably built along with the town 800 years ago. It was rebuilt in the 15th and early 16th centuries, with walls of flint rubble, stone and brick. There is also a tower and spire with a ring of thirteen bells. The nave was again rebuilt in the early 19th century, after it had partially collapsed. Enclosed in beautiful gardens which offer a haven for the local populace, especially summer lunchtimes, the Cathedral is open year-round and entry is free.  
• ⊙Hylands House and Park. Hylands House and Park just to the west of the town is a country house and parkland, saved from dereliction and purchased by the local council in 1966 after the death of the last private owner. Much damaged by fire and vandalism by the time of the sale, the house has now been completely restored by Chelmsford Borough Council. The house dates from 1730, and the park (574 acres or 232 ha) was landscaped by Humphry Repton. Open to the public and used for a wide range of community events, it is also available for weddings and other private hires including conferences, etc. The park has been the site of annual music festivals, such as the V Festival and the ill-fated Council-run Chelmsford Spectacular. It was the site for the 21st World Scout Jamboree in 2007 and hosted Eurojam two years before in the summer of 2005.  
• ⊙The Shire Hall. The Shire Hall Chelmsford.The Shire Hall is at the top of the High Street. Opened in July 1791 and built by local Architect and County Surveyor John Johnson, it features a Portland Stone façade. One of the oldest and most prominent buildings in Chelmsford, it was built as a Court house, which it has remained to this day. 
• ⊙Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford CM2 6DN. Sa 10AM-4PM, and W during school holidays 10AM-4PM. (updated Sep 2018)
• ⊙Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park Moulsham St, Chelmsford CM2 9AQ, ☎ +44 1245 605700. M-Th 10:00-17:00, F school hols 10:00-17:00 term time: closed, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 13:00-16:00. (updated Jun 2017)
• ⊙Essex Regiment Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham St, Chelmsford CM2 9AQ, ☎ +44 1245 605700. M-Th 10:00-17:00, F school hols 10:00-17:00 term time: closed, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 13:00-16:00. (updated Jun 2017)