Historic Essex
Essex, like the rest of Great Britain, is steeped in history. It’s
easy to dismiss the county on the basis of unfavourable press that
focusses on the negative aspects, the Essex girl for instance. But to
do so would be a big mistake as this ancient county has a rich history
that has left behind many places and artefacts that are well worth
seeing. You would probably need months, even years, to explore all
that Essex has to offer those interested in history and antiquity but
a short break there can give you a good taste of what’s on offer.
Here’s our guide to just a few of those ancient attractions .
Essex has a very strong Roman connection but prior to the coming of
the Romans it was the home of the Celtic tribe the Trinovantes. The
Trinovantes had their capital at Camulodunum, which was to become
Colchester . When the Romans invaded they received support from the
Trinovantes and Camulodunum was established as the Roman capital,
making Colchester the first British civitas, or city. The city was
razed during the legendary Celtic rebellion led by Queen Boudica
(Boadicea). After the Romans abandoned Britain the towns and cities
they established could not be maintained as the population turned its
back on Roman civilisation. Many people moved back to the countryside
and, although it stayed in use, it was some while before Colchester
returned to its former glory. When the Normans invaded in 1066 they
began a program of castle building to secure their new territory. In
Colchester the Normans chose the site of the Roman temple of Claudius
for a castle. Colchester castle boasts the largest Norman keep in
England, being one and a half times the size of the Tower of London ’s
White Tower. Today the castle is an award winning museum that takes
visitors through 2,000 years of British history. The museum is open
all year round and is a must-visit destination for those on the trail
of Essex history. Colchester has plenty of places to stay but the
traveller in search of antiquity might choose the Rose and Crown
Hotel , an historic 14th-century posting house located in the city
centre. The hotel has 14th century oak-beamed rooms on offer in the
original building or more contemporary rooms in the new wing.
Another magnificent Norman castle in Essex can be found at Castle
Hedingham , a small village in northeast Essex that is situated along
the ancient road from Colchester to Cambridge . Hedingham Castle is now
open to the public who can marvel at the magnificent banqueting hall
which is complete with a minstrels' gallery and the finest Norman arch
in England. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful grounds, peaceful
woodland and lakeside walks, while the medieval village itself
features picturesque Tudor buildings and a Norman church . If you wish
to stay a while in Hedingham then the Castle’s own Garden Cottage
offers self-catering facilities. Guests in Garden Cottage can take
advantage of complimentary entry to the several medieval and jousting
events that take place in the grounds over several summer week-ends.
The Normans also built the magnificent Mountfitchet Castle , another of
Essex’s finest historical attractions. It lies just two miles away
from Stansted Airport , near junction 8 of the M11 and is only 30 miles
north of London . Now laid out along the lines of a theme park,
Mountfitchet Castle and Norman Village is a world famous unique living
heritage site. As well as the historic castle, visitors can enjoy
attractions such as the House on the Hill Toy Museum. Here you can
come face to face with Daleks, view a life size Jar Jar Binks and even
have get close up and personal with prehistoric dinosaurs. The modern
historical attractions also include the Rock 'n' Roll exhibition and
visitors can play with a collection of early end-of-pier amusement
machines.
Essex boasts some of Britain’s finest stately homes. One of which is
the Britain’s largest Jacobean mansion, the magnificent Audley End
House . Located just outside Saffron Walden it is one of Britain’s
finest stately homes (the property is an English Heritage attraction).
Originally built to entertain royalty, the property includes a
Victorian Service Wing complete with kitchen, laundries and a dairy.
Outside there are beautiful grounds featuring an impressive formal
garden and the working Organic Kitchen Garden. There are many events
held at Audley End House, including outdoor concerts with firework
shows. The attraction has so much to offer both adults and children
alike that it is well worth staying in the local area to ensure you
can make the most of your visit. Nearby Warner's Farm is a distinctive
15th century farmhouse set in five acres of delightful gardens with
large natural fish pond and island and is an ideal base for visiting
Audley End.
While in the area you should visit Saffron Walden Museum , one of
Britain’s oldest museums. Opened in 1835 it boasts wide-ranging
collections complete with everything from moccasins and mummy cases to
mammoth tusks and Wallace the lion. The museum’s collections document
the human and natural history of north-west Essex, from ancient times
to the present day. This award-winning attraction is open 363 days a
year. Visitors to Saffron Walden might choose to stay in one of the 16
rooms at the Saffron Hotel , which itself dates back to the 16th
century. Saffron Walden is just 12 miles from Cambridge, home to one
of Britain’s most famous universities.
This article serves as an introduction to historic Essex, giving the
reader a taste of the many attractions the county has to offer.
Hopefully it will help to dispel some of the more negative, but
unfortunately popular, misconceptions about Essex and encourage more
people to dig a little deeper to experience the very best the ancient
county of Essex has to offer.
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