Historical information boards in Chelmsford

Frederic Chancellor was a notable local architect, archaeologist and surveyor working in Chelmsford in the mid 19th century. He built many notable public buildings in the area.

The Friary was founded between 1234 and 1277 and consisted of a long narrow flint-built preaching nave with a small attached chapel to the south.

James Fenton helped lay out and develop New London Road and also installed a major water supply and sewage system for Chelmsford.

The first gaol in Chelmsford was built on the south bank of the River Can during the 17th century. Known as the MouIsham Gaol, it was demolished and rebuilt in 1777.

By the early 20th century, there was a growing demand for retail establishments and traffic improvement in Chelmsford town centre. As development and expansion occurred over the years, the first shopping precinct for the town was proposed.

Mill Yard developed as an industrial area following the construction of the Great Eastern Counties Railway in 1843. Key businesses such as Marconi, Hoffman’s, Marriage’s and Ridley’s all relocated to be close to the railway. Ridley’s also developed a steam malting and flour mill, building on the industrial heritage of the city.

Trace the development of central Chelmsford, from 1960s market town to 21st century city.

Built by the de Mandeville family in the late 11th century following the Norman Conquest, Pleshey Castle is one of the finest examples of an earthen motte and bailey castle still surviving. The viewing area preserves an open area of the village to be enjoyed by inhabitants and visitors and is protected by law.

The small Roman market town of Caesaromagus (meaning the plain or marketplace of Caesar) was probably founded in the wake of the Boudiccan uprising in 61 CE as a military road station. It lay to the south of the River Can, along the main London to Colchester road.

Shire Hall, which first opened in 1791, is one of Chelmsford's most significant landmarks. It replaced two earlier buildings, and the site has served as the location for the county's court houses from the 12th Century.

The Stone Bridge you can see today dates back to 1788, but to find the origins of a crossing at the site, you have to go back to Roman times.

Known as Back Lane until 1850, Tindal Street was the location of many inns and hotels as well as enabling the Chelmsford Market to operate through the use of moveable market stalls in Middle Row, which then became permanent buildings.

Chelmsford's central position, on the road from London to Ipswich, meant much Essex traffic would pass through. This presented the opportunity for cooks, brewers and hostelers to offer food, drink and lodging to weary travellers.

Tank Traps, also known as Dragons Teeth, are an anti-tank defence used in World War II. There is evidence that the area was also used as an infantry firing position, which would indicate this as a roadblock to protect the city from invasions of enemy forces.