History of Essex County, England

Following the Norman conquest the Saxon kingdom formed the basis of a county in 1139 under the first Earl of Essex, Geoffrey de Mandeville. As a county Essex had administrative, political and legal functions.

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Essex men, including the former Colchester priest John Ball, were prominent in the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. During the late Middle Ages, Colchester became an important cloth-weaving centre.

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Much of the development of Essex county was caused by the railway. By 1843 the Eastern Counties Railway had connected Bishopsgate station in London with Brentwood and Colchester.

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In 1856, the Eastern Counties Railway opened a branch to Loughton (later extended to Ongar)

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By 1884 the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway had connected Fenchurch Street railway station in the City of London to Grays, Tilbury, Southend-on-Sea and Shoeburyness.

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County councils were created in England in 1889. Essex County Council was based in Chelmsford, although it met in London until 1938.
Its control did not cover the entire county. The London suburb of West Ham and later East Ham and the resort of Southend-on-Sea became county boroughs independent of county council control.
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1895 - Essex county
Es' sex, a county of England, having N. the counties of Cambridge and Suffolk, E. the North Sea, S. the Thames, and W. Middlesex and Herts. Area, 1649 square miles. The surface towards the Thames and the sea is flat, marshy, and much broken into peninsulas and islands; in the centre and N. it is beautifully diversified and richly wooded. Principal rivers, the Thames, Lea, Stour, Roding, Crouch, Colne, Chelmer, and Blackwater. The soil is mostly a fertile loam. The climate on the coast is damp, and produces agues; in other parts it is clear and healthy, less rain falling than perhaps in any other English county, The farming is ranked among the best in England. The quality of the Essex wheat is very superior. Besides the usual crops, teasels, saffron, caraway, and hops are largely grown. Great numbers of calves are fattened for the London market, and the butter is of fine quality. The stock of shee is large. Chief towns, Chelmsford (the capital), Colchester, Maldon, and Harwich. Pop.... Read MORE...

In 1949 the new towns of Harlow and Basildon were created in Essex County.

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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Essex County, England:
Visit Colchester: Start your journey by exploring Colchester, one of the oldest recorded towns in Britain. You can visit Colchester Castle, a well-preserved Norman castle, and the beautiful Colchester Zoo for a family-friendly day out.

Relax on the Beaches: Essex boasts a stunning coastline along the North Sea. Head to the beaches at Southend-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, or Clacton-on-Sea for a day of sun, sea, and sand. Southend also has a famous pier with an amusement park and restaurants.

Explore Epping Forest: If you're a nature enthusiast, Epping Forest is a must-visit. It's an ancient woodland that's perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply taking a leisurely walk. You can also have a picnic by the lake or visit Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge.

Discover Essex's Gardens: Essex is home to some stunning gardens, such as RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Rettendon. It's a haven for plant enthusiasts with beautifully landscaped gardens and a diverse range of flora.

Go Wildlife Watching:... Read MORE...