The Essex Chronicle has celebrated its 240th anniversary with the erection of a blue plaque near to the site where the newspaper was first published.
The inscription on the plaque reads: “Near this site of 69High Street stood the first premises of the Essex Chronicle, first published 10 August 1764.” An exhibition on the history of the paper has also been held in the centre of Chelmsford with an original 1813 proofing press on show.
Editor Stuart Rawlins said: “We are one of the oldest newspapers in the UK and the longest-established business in Essex. It is great tomark our 240th anniversary with the plaque near the original site. The paper was based in the centre of town until the mid-Sixties, when its main office moved with a new printing plant to the current Westway site.”
Rawlins has recently been appointed as one of eight deputy Lieutenants of Essex, to assist Lord Lieutenant Lord Petre. He said: “I wear the Essex badge with pride.”
A coach and four horses helped the Essex Chronicle to celebrate its 240th anniversary in Chelmsford last week
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