Chelmsford, you say? Where’s that?published at 13:26 British Summer Time

13:26 BST

This image shows the top of Chelmsford High Street, which has a cafe and a bookmaker. The most prominent feature is Shire Hall, a large white building of three levels. It is grand in its appearance, with large windows and tall columns.Image source, John Sutton/Geograph

Only the birthplace of radio itself! (thank you Mr Marconi)

He established the world’s first radio factory right here in 1899. It broadcast the first official radio sound in 1920.

Chelmsford is one of the UK’s newest cities, having been granted city status as part of the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations in 2012.

Only a 30-minute train journey south into London, it still hosts BBC Essex’s studios in New London Road, as well as nearby Essex County Cricket Club.

This city also played home to the notorious King Henry VIII in the 1520s, who stayed at the Palace of Beaulieu, now the home of New Hall School.

Hylands House, a Grade II listed building in the heart of Hylands Park, has even doubled for the White House in season three of The Crown.

But the county town of Essex has not won favour with all of its guests.

According to The Dickens Society, external, the Great Expectations author once said: “If anyone were to ask me what in my opinion was the dullest and most stupid spot on the face of the Earth, I should decidedly say Chelmsford.”

Ouch.

This is Essex, mate. We’re not boring here.