As counties go in the UK, Essex is definitely among the most famous. From world-famous celebrities who come from the area to an entire TV series based on actual people of the county that became iconic for its one-liners, mass amounts of fake tan, and fascinating accents. Here are some fun facts about Essex you’ll want to remember.
1. It’s toward the east of England.
The county of Essex is in the East of England. It borders Greater London to the south, Hertfordshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the northwest, and Suffolk to the north.
2. Its county town is Chelmsford.
Chelmsford, the county town of Essex, was made a city to help mark the London 2012 Olympics!
3. History in Essex dates as far back as we can physically imagine.
The area is known for having a rich history. There is even evidence of human habitation dating back to the Palaeolithic era! The area also played a significant role during the Roman occupation of Britain.
4. The Only Way Is Essex helped to put the county on the TV map.
Essex became famous around the world for its reality television series “The Only Way Is Essex,” commonly known as TOWIE. The series follows the lives of people living in the county – and their distinctive accents!
5. It has a beautiful coastline.
Essex is also well-loved for its landscapes, among which is its stunning long coastline along the North Sea. The area features several coastal towns and resorts, such as the popular seaside resort of Southend-on-Sea, a popular holiday destination for British staycationers!
6. You can find the Thames Estuary in Essex.
The famous Thames Estuary, where the River Thames meets the North Sea, is partly located in Essex. It is an important ecological area and a hub for maritime activities.
7. Colchester is the oldest town in Essex.
In fact, Colchester is recognised as Britain’s oldest recorded town! It has a strong Roman history, evident through the remains of a Roman wall and Colchester Castle, situated right in the heart of Essex.
8. It’s a rare county to have its own island.
Essex is home to Mersea Island. It is located in the estuary of the River Blackwater and is the most significant inhabited island in Essex. It is known for its seafood and the annual Mersea Island Festival.
9. Epping Forest is popular with hikers, dog walkers, and fans of nature.
Part of the ancient glades of Epping Forest lies within the boundaries of Essex. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities, with between five and ten million people visiting the area every single year!
10. It is home to multiple wildlife reserves.
Essex is home to various nature reserves and wildlife habitats. The Abberton Reservoir, for example, is an important site for birdwatching.
11. It was a big inspiration for John Constable.
Part of Dedham Vale, known as “Constable Country,” is located in Essex. The area famously inspired the paintings of English landscape painter John Constable.
12. It’s really easy to get into Essex, should you ever need to!
Essex is well-connected to the rest of the country. The M25 motorway, encircling Greater London, passes through Essex, and several railway lines connect it to London and other parts of the country.
FAQs about Essex
What is Essex famous for?
Essex is famous for its multiple industries, reality TV shows, stunning landscapes, and rich history. In fact, it is believed that no fewer than five US Presidents have lineage back to Essex!
Is Essex a good place to live in the UK?
Generally speaking, yes, Essex is a lovely place to live in the UK. It has plenty of wildlife to explore, a famous University, and plenty of prosperous towns. It's also a great place to live in for easy access to the rest of the UK!
What celebrities are from Essex?
Celebrities from Essex include actor Rupert Grint, reality TV star Mark Wright, popstar and TV host Olly Murs, Dame Helen Mirren, and legendary singer Rod Stewart.
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/England
https://www.visitessex.com/
https://www.essexwt.org.uk/
Do you know any interesting facts about Essex? Share them in the comments below!
