Description
We have translated the the verso of the map “The Description of Essex” into modern English
The Description of Essex
(Modernized Edition)
Name & Origins
Essex, originally written by the Saxons as East-seaxa and East-Sexrice, by the Normans as Essessa, and now commonly called Essex, is a county large in size, very populous, and comparable to the best in the land.
Size & Shape
The shape is somewhat circular, except in the east where it extends with many headlands into the sea. From Horsleyland in the west to Haidon, it measures around 40 miles; and from East Ham on the River Thames in the south to Sturmer on the River Stour in the north, it spans about 75 miles. The total circumference is approximately 146 miles.
Borders
Essex is bordered to the north by Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, to the west by Hertfordshire and Middlesex, to the south by the River Thames (separating it from Kent), and to the east by the German Sea (North Sea).
Air & Soil
The air is temperate and pleasant, though somewhat damp near the waters. The soil is rich and fertile—some areas sandy and barren, but generally productive. Some land can yield crops for decades, including barley and even saffron, with little need for added fertilization.
Ancient Inhabitants
The ancient inhabitants, known to the Romans as the Trinobantes (according to Caesar), were later known as the East Saxons under Saxon rule. Eventually, King Egbert unified them into the English monarchy. Historic towns like Beaunfleet and Havering (now Shoebury) show strong fortifications and signs of ancient battles.
Danish Influence
The Danes also played a major role, and places like Baritun (possibly Barley) still yield bones from old battles. The herb Danewort still grows there and was named after them. Violent skirmishes also took place at Alpham’s Road, and in remorse, King Canute built a church for those slain.
Norman Era
After the Norman Conquest, many nobles settled in Essex. They built houses and established noble families whose influence spread beyond the county.
Natural Resources & Economy
Essex is rich in natural resources: woods, corn, fish, livestock, and saffron (especially in the north). Saffron yields high profits and is exported across the country. The coastal inlets such as Canvey, Mersea, Heybridge, and Foulness are rich in fish and fowl. Ewes and cows are milked, producing thick cheese which is also exported.
Plague of Mice
In 1581, a large number of mice overran the marshes of Dengie Hundred, near Southminster. They destroyed crops to the root, causing a great loss to local farmers.
Colchester – The Chief City
The most prominent city in Essex today is Colchester, a town plan is featured as an inset within the old map is said to have been built by Coilus the Briton around 124 years after the birth of Christ. According to legend, his son Lucius, and later Helena and Constantine the Great (the first Christian Roman Emperor), were born here. The poet Necham even wrote:
“From Colchester there rose a star,
Its rays shone gloriously far,
Across the world in climate bright,
Great Constantine, Rome’s Emperor of light.”
The Romans honoured Helena with the title Pientissima Venerabilis Augusta.
Colchester lies on the River Colne and is fortified by ancient walls, built upon Roman foundations. The city has eight parish churches and two just outside the walls. Former religious houses include St. John’s Abbey, the Nunnery, St. Mary Magdalen’s Hospital, and the Black Friars. A large castle and Roman ruins still stand.
Commerce & Government
Colchester thrives in cloth and textile production (cloth, baize, says, etc.). It is governed by two bailiffs, twelve aldermen in scarlet, a recorder, a town clerk, and four sergeants with maces. The town’s population is about 5,000.
Notable Places & History
Other notable locations include:
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Camalodunum (now Maldon), once the royal seat of Cunobelinus, king of the Trinobantes.
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The Romans later took it under Claudius and made it a Roman colony.
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It was destroyed by Queen Boudica in her revolt against Rome, where she is said to have killed 70,000 Romans.
Remains of this city can still be seen at Walthamstow, particularly in St. Peter’s area.
Curious Discoveries
In the reign of Richard II, giant bones were discovered (possibly from an elephant, according to Ralph Coggeshall). In Elizabeth’s time, more giant bones were found nearby.
Legends & Foundations
One tale tells of a pilgrim from Spain who sent a ring to King Edward the Confessor. The house became known as Havering in his honour. Many towns in Essex—such as Waltham, Peverell, Tilty, Dunmow, Hedingham, Chelmsford, Coggeshall, Maldon, and more—held religious and royal significance, though many were dissolved or destroyed in later years.
The verso of the old map of Essex “The Description of Essex”
Summary Statistics
Essex includes:
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32 Market towns
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5 Castles
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5 Harbors
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2 Royal Palaces
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415 Parish Churches
