Essex
B
ETWEEN London and
England's East Coast lies
the ancient county of
Essex. Named after the
East Saxons, who
founded a kingdom here, Essex is a
place of farms and forests, quiet villages
and country towns and also of seaside
resorts offering traditional entertainments
and exciting events.
Thatched cottages and timber-framed
farmhouses are very characteristic while
the rolling fields, gently flowing rivers and
verdant woods, lit by constantly changing
East Anglian skies, have inspired an
impressive gallery of artists. Essex also
has a number of notable stately homes.
Audley End House near Saffron Walden
was once a Royal palace while
Ingatestone Hall has been owned by the
same family since the 16th century.
Traces of medieval England can also be
found in the county's many market towns
such as Saffron Walden, Thaxted and
Coggeshall. There is a further touch of
history with one of England's finest
Norman castles at Hedingham, while
Colchester's vast keep is the largest in
Europe. But perhaps the county's most
precious possession is its 350-mile
coastline. Essex is truly a maritime county
with ports such as Harwich and Maldon
holding tremendous historic interest.
Glimpses of continental ferries passing in
the estuary give the streets of Harwich a
special character while the graceful
Thames Sailing Barges are a big
attraction at Maldon's Hythe Quay.
Much of the coastline is very remote
and of great importance for nature
conservation, but there are also the
classic British resorts of Southend,
Clacton, Frinton, Walton and Dovercourt
offering all the fun of the seaside and
much more. The geography of Essex
lends itself naturally to watersports, both
traditional and modern. From the timeless
craft of sailing and the eternal patience of
fishermen to the thrills and spills of wind
surfing, there's plenty of sea room for all
to enjoy. Over the last few years
Southend in particular has established
itself as a place where there is always
something exciting happening. Shopping
is another big attraction, with both
modern centres and smaller specialist
shops to tempt you.
Don't Miss...
You have to visit every aspect of the Essex coast. From the seaside fun of Southend
and Clacton to the maritime history of Harwich and Maldon, the Essex coast is also
home to many treasured sites of natural beauty and international importance as
wildlife habitats. Essex really does offer something for everyone.
Read more about the
fabulous treats Essex has
to offer at
essex.greatbritishlife.co.uk
Essex
Historic landmarks, beautiful market towns and a fascinating coastline,
Essex is a destination that offers a great deal more than you might expect
Most noted for...
Famous Essex food exports include
jams and preserves from the Wilkin &
Sons Farm in Tiptree and Maldon Salt
Essex is renowned for its
entrepreneurial spirit. Rags to riches
tales of success include Sir Alan Sugar,
the star of the hit TV series
The Apprentice
Academy Award-winning actress
Dame Helen Mirren is possibly the
county's most famous daughter
44 www.greatbritishlife.co.uk

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