Chelmsford: A glimpse at the city in Essex 
 
Our partner city Chelmsford, the county town of Essex in England, is a vibrant city with approximately 110,000 inhabitants. Located about 50 kilometers northeast of London, it offers a blend of historical charm and modern lifestyle. 
The history of Chelmsford dates back to Roman times when the city served as an important trading post. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Chelmsford gained significance through the pioneering work of Guglielmo Marconi, who established one of the first wireless telegraphy factories here. Marconi's work laid the groundwork for the development of radio, making Chelmsford a central location in the history of communication technology, and today the city is known as "The home of radio." Chelmsford was awarded city status in 2012 as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Key reasons for this included its rich historical significance, dating back to Roman times, and its growing economic importance, particularly in engineering and technology. As the county town of Essex, Chelmsford has also played a central role in regional government. Its strong community infrastructure, including education and health services, further supported its case. The city's elevation recognised both its historic heritage and modern achievements.The campus of Anglia Ruskin University is gradually exanding as to acknowledge that Chelmsford is also a city of science.
Visitors to the city can explore the Chelmsford Cathedral, built in the 13th century is one of the smallest in England. John Dee, who translated Euclid into English, attended the Cathedral School in the 16th century. The Essex Police Museum offers insights into the history of policing in the region, while the Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park presents a comprehensive collection on local history, including exhibits on telegraphy and communication, as well as natural history. 
In the surroundings of Chelmsford, there are numerous green spaces and parks, including Hylands Park, a sprawling landscape park with a historic mansion that is regularly used for events and weddings. The city also offers a variety of shopping opportunities, restaurants, and cultural events that take place throughout the year. 
Chelmsford combines historical significance with modern flair, offering visitors a wide range of experiences that reflect both the past and present of the city. 
The town twinning between Backnang and Chelmsford was officially sealed in 1990 in Chelmsford and in 1991 in Backnang. 

all images © Copyright John Sutton, licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence