Today, it boasts a county cricket ground, the beautiful river Can and even a 15th century cathedral, where an annual music festival is held.

Hylands House, set in a 500 acre of landscaped parkland, underwent a heavy restoration programme having been left derelict for many years.

Lovers of trivia will no doubt be interested to know that Chelmsford was the home of UK’s first radio factory in 1912.

Satellites: Brentwood, Braintree, Feering