Essex, located in the South East of England, is a county that combines historical richness, cultural diversity, and modern development. It is bordered by Suffolk and Cambridgeshire to the north, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent across the estuary of the River Thames to the south, and the North Sea to the east. With its county town being Chelmsford, Essex offers a blend of urban and rural landscapes, featuring bustling towns, serene countryside, and picturesque villages.
Historically, Essex has played a significant role in England's history, dating back to the Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods. It was a significant region during the medieval era, contributing to the economic and military history of England. The county's coastal position facilitated trade and contact with mainland Europe, influencing its cultural and economic development over the centuries.
Essex is known for its varied landscape, including the flat and marshy terrains of the Thames Estuary, the rolling hills in the rural hinterlands, and its extensive coastline featuring resorts like Southend-on-Sea, which is famous for having one of the world's longest pleasure piers. The county is also home to the Essex Heaths, one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in the country, and several nature reserves and parks, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
The county has a strong economy, with a mix of traditional industries like agriculture and fishing, alongside modern sectors such as finance, technology, and logistics. The proximity to London, with excellent transport links including rail, road, and air (with Stansted Airport located within its borders), makes Essex a popular location for both businesses and individuals seeking connectivity with the capital while enjoying the benefits of the countryside.
Culturally, Essex is vibrant and diverse, hosting numerous festivals, art exhibitions, and sporting events throughout the year. The county has a rich architectural heritage, with landmarks such as Colchester Castle, one of the oldest Roman fortresses in Britain, and the historic university city of Cambridge to its north, adding to its allure.
Education in Essex is well-regarded, with a range of primary, secondary, and further education institutions, including the University of Essex, which is recognised for its research excellence and diverse student body.
Essex also enjoys a rich literary and artistic heritage, with connections to famous figures such as the artist John Constable, who was inspired by its landscapes, and the writer Daniel Defoe, who studied its social and economic life.
In summary, Essex is a county that proudly preserves its historical roots while embracing the future. It offers a high quality of life through its blend of urban and rural settings, economic opportunities, cultural activities, and educational institutions, making it a cherished part of the United Kingdom.
The UK's telephone network is changing. Traditional phone lines will be replaced by a digital landline service. This means that calls will be made over a broadband line.
Volunteering in Essex is a great opportunity to support your local community. With a variety of opportunities there is something to suit everyone’s skills, experience and availability. Volunteers in Essex work in a wide variety of roles, from offering companionship to people who are socially isolated, to providing practical help in the community.
Dovercourt is set to receive a £737,000 investment to rejuvenate its high street.
The seaside town is one of 10 struggling high streets selected for the Government's High Street Accelerators programme.
Supported by £7million in national funding, the initiative seeks to build partnerships that empower residents and community groups to drive long-term town centre regeneration.
The reality TV show "The Only Way Is Essex" (TOWIE) is set to return for its 35th series on Sunday, 23rd February 2025, at 9 PM on ITVBe and ITVX. To mark its 15th anniversary, the cast will travel to Bali, promising viewers a mix of drama, new romances, and unexpected developments. The upcoming series will feature both familiar faces and new cast members, ensuring a blend of nostalgia and fresh storylines
Community venues throughout Essex are hosting Healthier Habits Hubs. These events serve as one-stop shops for health resources, providing residents with access to various health teams and information to promote well-being.
it has been announced that the Fairglen Interchange will receive a £15 million investment to facilitate significant upgrades at this busy junction. These improvements aim to enhance traffic flow and safety for motorists in the area.
After an eight-year campaign by environmentalists and community groups, Colchester City Council is set to remove Middlewick Ranges, a former Ministry of Defence firing range, from its local plan for 1,000 new homes. Ecological evidence highlighted the site's national significance for biodiversity, including nightingales, rare bats, and veteran trees.
Star Mark Wright has shared a breathtaking glimpse of his pristine garden at his home in Essex where he lives with his wife, Michelle Keegan.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, the former TOWIE star uploaded a mesmerising clip of his frosted garden in the morning light. The 38-year-old shared sweeping views of his pool, as well as a glimpse of their rarely-seen outdoor entertainment area complete with a patio area and a small garden room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The Dartford Crossing, a vital route connecting Essex and Kent, is scheduled for closures this weekend due to major roadworks. From 10 pm to 5 am between Saturday, February 8, and Monday, February 10, sections of the northbound carriageway and both the east and west tunnels will be closed. Diversions will be in place via National Highways roads. These closures are part of ongoing efforts to address congestion and are related to the proposed £9 billion Lower Thames Crossing project, which aims to improve traffic flow and economic connectivity in the region.
Essex Police have announced the continuation of patrols in Colchester and Chelmsford aimed at protecting vulnerable women during weekend nights. Officers will be vigilant for individuals in need of assistance and monitor for signs of predatory behavior. Additionally, in Basildon, a successful stop and search operation has been conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of crack cocaine and heroin in the district.
The Essex Women's Commemoration Project has been actively installing blue plaques to honor notable women from the county. Since its inception in 2021, the project has unveiled 31 plaques, recognizing figures such as playwright Margaret Cavendish and suffragette Myra Sadd Brown. The initiative aims to highlight the contributions of these women to Essex's history and culture.
Some Essex villages are so quaint and isolated that people can enjoy a peaceful life - but not much else. One Essex village, listed as one of the best places to live in the county last year, has the best of both worlds.
The 12 districts of Essex, each with its unique charm and character, form the heart of this picturesque county in the southeast of England. From the bustling urban landscapes of Basildon and the historic riches of Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town, to the tranquil countryside of Uttlesford and the coastal retreats of Tendring, Essex offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. Chelmsford, the county town, serves as a vibrant administrative and cultural hub, while districts like Brentwood and Epping Forest blend urban convenience with rural serenity, offering lush green spaces and outdoor activities. Braintree, Castle Point, Harlow, Maldon, and Rochford each contribute their unique heritage and landscapes, from maritime history to contemporary arts, making Essex a county of contrast and discovery.
The business landscape in Essex is diverse and dynamic, with support structures in place for new, established, and growing businesses. Essex County Council offers various services including advice, support, venues, workspaces for hire, and information on trading standards and business licenses.
The economy of Essex has shown signs of robust growth and profitability, especially highlighted in the Essex Limited 2014 survey. Despite static turnover at £7.0bn, operating profits rose by 48.3% across the top 100 companies, marking a significant upturn, particularly in the property and construction industries. This increase in profitability indicates a returning confidence in the Essex business sector.
Essex has been the birthplace or home to a number of notable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. In the world of entertainment, Essex boasts the origins Jessie J, a globally recognized singer-songwriter renowned for her powerful vocals and hit songs. The county is also known for its reality TV personalities, particularly from the popular show "The Only Way is Essex," which has brought fame to individuals like Mark Wright and Gemma Collins, both of whom have become well-known UK television personalities.
Essex has contributed uniquely to various aspects of culture, innovation, and history. There are many things that have happened specifically due to Essex's influence or as a direct result of events in the county:
For example: Birth of Radio Broadcasting: Guglielmo Marconi opened the world's first wireless factory in Chelmsford, Essex, in 1899, leading to the first entertainment radio broadcast in 1920. This marked the beginning of modern radio broadcasting.
Essex has experienced several notable criminal cases that have captured public attention, both nationally and internationally.
For Example: The Rettendon Murders (1995): Also known as the 'Essex Boys' case, this crime involved the brutal murder of three drug dealers: Tony Tucker, Pat Tate, and Craig Rolfe. Their bodies were found in a Range Rover in Rettendon. The case was linked to the drug trade and gang warfare, and it inspired several films and books.
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