Interesting facts about Essex: Essex, a county in southeast England, is famous for its rich history, lively cities, and beautiful countryside. It offers a mix of ancient landmarks and modern developments, making it a unique place to explore.
Whether you’re walking through its historic towns, enjoying the vibrant city life, or relaxing in its scenic countryside, Essex has something for everyone. We’ve put together some fascinating facts about Essex that you might not know. These interesting details will give you a closer look at what makes Essex so special. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of contents
- 10 Surprising Facts About Essex You Didn’t Know
- 1. 350 Miles of Coastline
- 2. 5 American Presidents are from Essex
- 3. It is Home to the Oldest Wooden Church in the World
- 4. Essex is Home to the Flitch Trials
- 5. Clinton Cards Started in Essex
- 6. Essex is Home to Epping Forest
- 7. Manningtree is the Smallest Town in Britain
- 8. Essex Has the Longest Pier in the World
- 9. The Essex Witch Trials
- 10. Essex is a Hub for Innovation
- FAQs on Interesting Facts About Essex
10 Surprising Facts About Essex You Didn’t Know
Essex is a county with a lot to offer, from its rich history to its beautiful landscapes. While many people know about its lively cities and charming countryside, there are some lesser-known facts about Essex that might surprise you. Here is a list of 10 facts about Essex that you probably didn’t know. Keep reading to find out more!
1. 350 Miles of Coastline
You would be amazed to know that the coastline of Essex is over 350 miles long which is equal to driving from London to the Alps. The coastline of Essex is the second longest among other English Counties. Essex’s coastline is one of its valued assets both from national and international perspectives for the conservation of nature. It is also considered important for the local economy which entails tourism and fishing industries.
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2. 5 American Presidents are from Essex
There have been many rumours circulating for a while now that five previous US presidents have been the direct descendants of people in Essex. Many theories suggest that the Mayflower (built-in Harwich) popularly made the transatlantic voyage in 1620 to North America in which most of the crew was from Essex. After the voyage, the crew eventually settled in America who were among the first settlers in America. Five descendants of these settlers went on to become the presidents of the US.
3. It is Home to the Oldest Wooden Church in the World
Dating all the way back to 1081, Greensted Church is the oldest wooden church in the world and is situated deep in the Essex countryside. Unfortunately, the only original Saxon structure that is remaining is the split Oak tree trunks that form the nave. A small amount of flint within the chancel dating back to the Norman era signifies that the church was still used after the Norman conquest of 1066.
4. Essex is Home to the Flitch Trials
Great Dunmow Flitch Trials is one of the oldest recorded competitions in Britain which dates all the way back to 1104. It is one of the most quirky events you will ever come across. This competition happens once every 4 years in which married couples have to compete to prove their love to each other in a series of events. The most interesting part of this competition is the prize you get after winning which is a flitch of bacon.
5. Clinton Cards Started in Essex
The only store that pops into every son’s mind to buy a last-minute Mother’s Day card is Clinton Cards. Clinton Cards was founded in 1968 by Don Lewin after he borrowed GBP 500 to create this store. The first store of Clinton Cards was opened in Epping, Essex. Don Lewin named his store Clinton Cards after his young son. The business grew substantially by 1988 as the number of Clinton Cards’ stores reached 77, after which it was listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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6. Essex is Home to Epping Forest
Epping Forest is regarded as the oldest forest in the UK and is situated in Essex. This is one of the best places to wander if you are using student housing in United Kingdom. Epping Forest borders both Essex and London as it is situated in the southwestern part of the county and northeastern edge of Greater London. If you are planning for a day out, consider strolling here and enjoying scenic views.
7. Manningtree is the Smallest Town in Britain
This one is all about the difference between a town and a village. Technically, Manningtree is regarded as a town. Interestingly, Manningtree has a population of just over 900 people which makes it the smallest town in Britain. It covers an area of just 19.138 hectares and in the Middle Ages, it is known to emerge as a market town. In 1238, Manningtree received its first Royal Charter with consistency for almost eight centuries.
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8. Essex Has the Longest Pier in the World
Southend-on-Sea is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world. Stretching over 2,158 meters, it offers stunning views of the Thames Estuary. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or ride the small train that runs along the pier. This iconic landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Essex.
9. The Essex Witch Trials
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Essex was the site of a series of witch trials, most notably the Chelmsford witch trials. This dark chapter in Essex’s history resulted in several people being convicted and executed for witchcraft. The trials are still remembered today, with museums and historical sites shedding light on this tragic period.
10. Essex is a Hub for Innovation
Essex is not just known for its historical charm but also for its role in innovation. The county has a growing tech and digital sector, with companies like PayPal and leading research universities driving the local economy. Essex is quickly becoming a hub for business and technology, blending old with new in a remarkable way.
FAQs on Interesting Facts About Essex
Some of the richest parts of Essex are – East Billericay, North and East Brentwood, South Central Chelmsford, North East Central Chelmsford, West Uttlesford, etc.
Located in Essex, Jaywick Sands is the poorest village in England.
Situated in East Anglia, England, Essex is a large county which is home to three cities, many bustling market towns and a lot of countryside villages.
Essex has a coastline of over 350 miles, making it the second-longest coastline among English counties.
Five U.S. presidents are believed to be descendants of people from Essex, as many of the crew aboard the Mayflower were from the county.
The oldest wooden church in the world, Greensted Church, is located in the Essex countryside and dates back to 1081.
The Great Dunmow Flitch Trials is a quirky competition held every four years where married couples prove their love in exchange for a flitch of bacon.
Clinton Cards, a popular British card retailer, was founded in 1968 in Epping, Essex.
Epping Forest is the oldest forest in the UK and is located in Essex, offering scenic walking trails and rich history.
Manningtree, located in Essex, is the smallest town in Britain, with a population of just over 900 people.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some interesting facts about Essex. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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