Top ten facts about Chelmsford
How much do you know about Chelmsford? Here's a handful of well-publicised facts, and a few gems that you didn't know you didn't know.
One of the UK's newest cities
Chelmsford is proud to be one of the newest cities in the UK, having been granted city status in 2012 as part of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Birthplace of radio
Chelmsford is known as the birthplace of radio, thanks to its connection with Guglielmo Marconi who opened the world's first wireless factory here in 1899. We named the Marconi Building on our Chelmsford campus after him.
Game of thrones
Chelmsford was once the capital of England for a few days when the seat of Government was temporarily moved here, 600 years ago. It's believed that Richard II stayed in a royal manor in Writtle and issued orders to suppress the peasants' revolt of 1381.
A great all-rounder
In 2019, The Times listed Chelmsford as one of the best places to live in the UK, praising its broad appeal to foodies, culture vultures, dedicated shoppers, and anyone looking for a great education. We concur!
In the best of health
According to a study by food supplement manufacturer Biocare, Chelmsford is the second healthiest place to live in the UK. Not surprising when you consider the amount of social sport happening on campus, and the raft of sports facilities around the city.
Home to a hat-trick legend
Our city is the home of West Ham legend Sir Geoff Hurst, the only man to ever score a hat-trick in the football World Cup final. Hats off to you, Sir Geoff.
Ready for my close-up…
Hylands House is a Grade II-listed villa in Hylands Park, on the western edge of Chelmsford. In 2018 it featured in filming for The Crown season three, doubling as the White House.
A house fit for a king
Henry VIII came a-courting in Chelmsford back in the 1520s. He stayed at the Palace of Beaulieu, formerly an estate belonging to Anne Boleyn’s family, where he conceived his plan to divorce Katherine of Aragon and marry Anne. Today, New Hall School stands on the same site.
Comedy gold
Chelmsford was an important staging post on the old Roman road between Londinium (London) and Camulodunum (modern-day Colchester). The cult comedy series Chelmsford 123 followed the life of an exiled Roman governor, Aulus Paulinus, in the town in AD 123.
State of the art
Renowned artist Grayson Perry – creator of Turner Prize-winning ceramics and The Vanity of Small Differences tapestry series – was born in Chelmsford in 1960. The city is referenced in his biography, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl. In 2012, ARU awarded Grayson an Honorary Doctor of Arts.