The two rivers that run through Chelmsford - the Chelmer and the Can - were paramount in its making. There is evidence of early human settlements in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages and it was also a significant Roman town. Little evidence of these periods remain, but during the Middle Ages Chelmsford became an important market town and the county town of Essex and later, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a centre for industry. Although many of these industries have since closed or moved, today Chelmsford is a thriving commercial city, having been awarded its city status in 2012.

Chelmsford in 50 Buildings explores the history of this fascinating city in Essex through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. As well as Chelmsford’s landmark buildings, more everyday buildings representative of life through the ages are included, such as the old police station, administration offices, the prison, theatres, museums, sports grounds, transport buildings, monuments, public houses, a windmill, churches and schools. This book will appeal to all those who live in Chelmsford or who have an interest in the city.