Cities and Towns - Essex

Braintree www.enjoybraintree.co.uk
Bustling market town standing on the old Roman road. King John gave Braintree its market charter in 1199. The textile industry has brought prosperity here for more than 400 years, firstly with wool, then from the 19th C. silk-weaving. Bradford Street has fine houses once occupied by those industry. A key attraction in the town is the Freeport Braintree Outlet Shopping Village.

Brentwood www.brentwood.gov.uk
This town grew up in the late 12th C. (around a forest clearing), as a convenient stopping place for pilgrims travelling from East Anglia and the Midlands to Canterbury. It later developed as an 18th C. coaching centre with some good inns. Surrounding the town are spacious areas of rural countryside and parkland.

Brightlingsea www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk
A maritime heritage town, Brightlingsea is the only cinque port outside Kent and Sussex. Set on the River Colne, this is a major yachting centre with some of the east coast´s best sailing. The town is also home to one of England's oldest timber-timbered framed buildings, the 13th C. Jacobes Hall.

Burnham-on-Crouch www.maldon.gov.uk
Quiet, unspoilt riverside town, one of England's leading yachting centres. Known as the 'Cowes of the east coast', the attractive quayside is lined with colour-washed houses, pubs and sailing clubs. The famous clock tower dates from 1877. Annual regatta, smuggling tales and long walks along the sea walls.

Chelmsford www.chelmsford.gov.uk
Founded in 1199, Chelmsford has been the county town of Essex for more than
700 years. Imposing 18th C. Shire Hall and 15th C. parish church - designated a cathedral in 1914. Pedestrianised shopping areas and excellent entertainment/leisure facilities, including the Essex County Cricket Ground and 18th C. Hylands House. In 1898, the world's first radio factory was opened here by Guglielmo Marconi.

Clacton-on-Sea www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk
The capital of the 'Essex Sunshine Coast', Clacton is a popular seaside town with
tree-lined streets, long sandy beaches and beautiful seafront gardens. The
fun-packed 19th C. pier is the world's largest. Also water sports, two theatres and good shopping area. Close by is the Clacton Shopping Village.

Coggeshall www.enjoybraintree.co.uk
Once an important place in the trade of wool and lace. Set along tight alleyways and old lanes are many fine timber-framed buildings, including 16th C. Paycockes - once home to a wealthy wool merchant. Quaint shops and tales of mysterious ley lines. The clock tower was built in 1887.
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Colchester www.visitcolchester.com
Britain’s oldest recorded town, with over 2,000 years of history to explore. Discover Europe's largest Norman castle keep (now an excellent museum), or head to firstsite for displays of contemporary art. Close by are the quaint narrow streets of the Dutch Quarter, where the cloth industry once flourished. Pretty Castle Park, Britain's best preseved Roman gateway and excellent shopping/leisure facilities.

Dedham www.visitcolchester.com
Set by the River Stour, Dedham is in the heart of Constable Country. It was here that the 18th C. landscape artist went to school. The attractive main street is lined with Georgian-fronted houses, old inns and a large arts/crafts centre. The magnificent
15th C. church is noted for its heraldic symbols.

Epping www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Founded in the 13th C. by the canons of Waltham Abbey, Epping is set on the old coaching route from London. It's long, wide High Street is full of attractive buildings and old inns. To the south is the famous Epping Forest, covering some 6,000 acres. A former royal hunting ground, this was the haunt of highwayman Dick Turpin.

Halstead www.enjoybraintree.co.uk
Lively and picturesque town with a 600 year old church and interesting
country-style shops. With the decline of the wool industry, Halstead turned to silk manufacture, started by the Courtauld family. Their weather-boarded mill, which straddles the River Colne, is now a large antiques centre.

Harlow www.visitharlow.com
Designed to relieve the congestion of London in 1947, this New Town has set residential and industrial areas. It's long history still survives though, in the rural parishes that surround 'The High', its modern centre. 'The Lawn' is the first tower block built in Britain in 1951, now listed for preservation. Wide range of sculpture.

Harwich and Dovercourt www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk
Famous for its seafaring history and heritage, Harwich was the base for the English fleets during the 14/15th C. Christopher Jones - Master of the Mayflower (the vessel which sailed The Pilgrim Fathers to the New World) lived here. Historic buildings (such as the Redoubt Fort), narrow streets and museums. Adjacent is the Edwardian style resort of Dovercourt, with its iron lighthouses and Blue Flag beach.

Maldon www.maldon.gov.uk
Ancient hilltop town and sailing centre, at the head of the Blackwater estuary. Famed for its sea salt and majestic Thames Sailing Barges. Attractive lanes and 'chases', with many historic buildings, including the 15th C. Moot Hall and 17th C.
Dr Plume's Library. All Saints' Church has a unique triangular shaped tower.

Saffron Walden www.uttlesford.gov.uk
This ancient town takes its name from the Saffron Crocus, which grew here in the
16th C. Once a centre for wool production, the wealth generated has left many lovely timber-framed buildings, some decorated with pargetting. The parish church (with its elegant spire) is the largest in Essex. Remains of Norman castle, restored Victorian gardens and unusual turf maze.

Southend-on-Sea www.visitsouthend.co.uk
Lively and cosmopolitan town. Discover seven miles of coastline, award-winning sand/shingle beaches and magnificent parks and gardens. The famous pier is the longest in the world. Southend's pedestrianised High Street is one of the region's top shopping destinations. Exciting attractions, museums, evening entertainment and spectacular events.

Thaxted www.uttlesford.gov.uk
Developed from a Saxon settlement, Thaxted prospered from the cutlery industry in the 14th C. Quaint streets are lined with fine medieval buildings, including the 15th C. Guildhall and thatched almshouses. Beautiful church with 181 feet high tower, and
John Webb's 19th C. windmill.

Waltham Abbey www.walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk
Well-preserved town, home to one of the county´s most outstanding Norman
buildings - 'Waltham Abbey´. It was endowed by King Harold, who was reputedly buried here. Beside the abbey is a lovely area of parkland and gardens. The town has former coaching inns and a fine 'Art Nouveau' Town Hall.

Walton-on-the-Naze www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk
Family seaside resort with clean sandy beaches, seafront gardens and quaint narrow streets. The pier is the second longest in Britain. The Naze is an unspoilt headland of heath, saltmarshes and sandy beaches jutting out into the sea (a haven for birdwatchers) - it´s 70 feet high cliffs are being severely eroded away.