Chelmsford while having Roman roots grew from two medieval manor towns, Moulsham and Celmeresfort on opposite banks of the River Can.

The Industrial Revolution arrived in Chelmsford in the late 1700s with the Blackwater Navigation in 1797 and the railway in 1843. In 1899 the town welcomed the world's first radio factory on Hall Street established by Guglielmo Marconi (studio photo circa 1920). After moving his factory to New Street, the world's first radio broadcasts were transmitted(photo circa 1920) on February 23, 1920, from Chelmsford, predating the BBC by two years. They included music, news and talk. Not much has changed.

Related Links
Chelmsford Home page. What, where, why and shopping links
Knowhere Guide to Chelmsford A users guide. Been there done that.
The County Town of Chelmsford Then and now.
The Chelmsford Story History inn two parts, text only.
Chelmsford Borough Background info
Marconi College Home page