Chelmsford Industrial Trail
Originally devised and written by Stanley Wood in 1987
Revised and updated by Tony Crosby and Dave Buckley
Stanley Wood produced the original trail because he recognised the importance of the story of Chelmsford’s place in the industrial development of the UK in the 19th and 20th centuries. It has now been brought up to date in this attractively produced 54 page booklet. Wood’s text has been largely retained, with shaded boxes providing updated information on what has changed or disappeared in the last 30 years. In this way, the development of Chelmsford from manufacturing town to a retail and services based city can clearly be seen.
The Trail is in two parts, each around 3.25 miles long and estimated to take two hours.
The first part starts at the Stone Bridge in the High Street and covers the industrial heritage of the Moulsham Street area, including Moulsham Rope Works, Crompton & Company and the National Steam Car Company. The trail then covers some railway history before returning along New Writtle Street and finishing at the world’s first wireless factory, opened by Gugliemo Marconi in 1898 in Hall Street.
The second part starts with Moulsham Mill and the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, then follows the River Chelmer and finishes at the former sites of the Hoffman and Marconi factories in New Street.
The booklet includes numerous colour photographs and a clear map showing the trails and highlights along the way. It is also packed with fascinating information, making it a good armchair read as well as a walking guide.
The booklet is available to buy at the Chelmsford Museum, the Ideas Hub in the Chelmsford library and at the Hop Beer shop, 173 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford. Cost is £4. It can also be obtained by sending an email to essexiag@gmail.com for £4 plus P&P.