Chelmsford

Chelmsford as a settlement started growing after 1100 AD, when a bridge across the River Can was built. The town grew in importance after King John issued a Royal Charter in 1196, allowing Chelmsford to host a market, and by 1219 the town had become the county town of Essex. Chelmsford was involved in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, and King Richard II moved on the town after quelling the revolt in London. In 1516, King Henry VIII purchased the Boleyn estate, building Beaulieu Palace, located on the current site of New Hall School.

During the early 20th century Chelmsford grew in industrial importance, becoming the birth place of radio under Guglielmo Marconi. Other big manufacturers were Crompton & Co under R. E. B. Crompton, Hoffmann Ball Bearings, Fell Christy (later known as Christy Norris Ltd), Coleman and Moreton, Thomas Clarkson and Eddington and Stevenson.