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 Essex countryside offers an idyllic setting for a tranquil staycation, and The Star Inn in Steeple combines the excitement of a pub with the serenity of camping beneath the stars.
This quintessential country pub not only serves up home-cooked meals and real ales but also provides four ensuite rooms for those looking to book a stay.
A historic Essex boarding school could be turned into 18 new homes under new plans. Dalham Developments has submitted a planning application for Langham Oaks, a former boarding school in Colchester that was built in 1888, and was most recently a school for children with special educational needs.
Patients and visitors to an Essex hospital will soon need to pay more to park after an increase in charges. The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in Harlow is set to increase parking charges for the first time since 2020.
The NHS trust says the increase is needed to help manage demand and cover costs. The focus is on revising our charges to help manage demand in response to patient and visitor feedback on the availability of car parking spaces and ensure there is a contribution to the costs of maintaining the car parks.
A new supermarket could be coming to an Essex airport's retail park soon. Plans are afoot to bring a new Food Warehouse to Southend Airport Retail Park.
A planning application has been submitted to Rochford District Council, which has responsibility for the land at Southend Airport, to transform a former Carpetright site into the supermarket.
BBC Radio 2 In The Park will take place in Hylands Park this September - and tickets are set to go on sale on Wednesday (June 4). There will be thousands of tickets available to purchase per day for September 5, September 6 and September 7.
Music fans will rush to central Essex to enjoy performances from Bryan Adams, Def Leppard, Stereophonics, Ella Henderson and Anastacia among others. Essex girl Jessie J will also be performing in a homecoming gig with a promise to be "pure Essex" for punters.
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.
Copyright © 2025 welcometoessex.co.uk - All Rights Reserved.
Website designed by Welcome to Essex
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.