Colchester and Chelmsford Essex

Two of the most ancient towns in the county of Essex, Colchester and Chelmsford are also amongst the oldest in Britain. Colchester, in fact, is claimed to be the oldest Roman Town in the British Isles and was actually the capital of Roman Britain until sacked by the great Boudica in 61AD. The Romans called the town Camulodunum and built a fortress of considerable importance, a later Anglo-Saxon settlement was overrun by Viking forces during the 9th century, and the Vikings remained in control until the area was re-taken by Edward the Elder in 920. Colchester Castle dates from the Norman occupation and was built upon earlier Roman ruins. Chelmsford is the county town of Essex and has a population of over 120,000, Chelmsford was also a significant Roman town, though it has been the site of human settlement since the Neolithic Era. The Romans called the town Caesaromagus and it developed around the fort which was constructed there. Chelmsford later became the seat of the local assize (13th century) and has been recognised as the county town since then. Chelmsford saw some decline in the late 20th century, though the town is now undergoing some rejuvenation.