Whilst being the county town of Essex, Chelmsford was designated a market town by King John in 1199 but there has been a settlement here since Roman times. The first radio factory was built here by Marconi in 1912 and is truly the 'Home of Radio'. There is a cathedral with 19th and 20th century stained glass windows, a pleasant pedestrianised shopping area, pleasant parks, a multi-screen cinema, theatres, leisure centre with pool, flume rides and an ice rink. There are also pleasant walks along the river Can which flows through the town. Local attractions include Hyland’s House, which has doubled for the White House, Hyde Hall and the beautiful village of Writtle.