Chelmsford history: then and now

Travel back in time to Chelmsford in the 1900s to 1920s

There’s something special about a postcard, a note written to a loved one wishing they were there, so when Chelmsford Museum received a box full of old postcards featuring images from legendary Chelmsford photographer Frederick Spalding, they knew they had to be shared. What's more, the team devised a way in which to bring the historic postcards to life – by sending volunteers to recapture the scenes as they look today.

Assistant museums manager Dr Mark Curteis says, ‘Some views were surprisingly similar, while some had changed completely. For example, King Edward’s Avenue, which was a lovely Victorian terrace, has been completely replaced by County Hall!’

chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

Great Baddow then (Image: Chelmsford Museums)

Great Baddow now (Image: Chelmsford Museums)

Chelmsford Viaduct (Image: Copyright 2021 steve@thedaveys.co.uk all rights resrvd)

Chelmsford viaduct then (Image: Chelmsford Museums)

Moulsham Street (Image: Copyright 2021 steve@thedaveys.co.uk all rights resrvd)

Moulsham Street (Image: Chelmsford Museums)

Moulsham Street bridge (Image: Copyright 2021 steve@thedaveys.co.uk all rights resrvd)

Moulsham Street bridge then (Image: Chelmsford Museums)

Danbury church (Image: Copyright 2021 steve@thedaveys.co.uk all rights resrvd)

Danbury church then (Image: Chelmsford Museums)

Church Green, Broomfield (Image: Copyright 2021 steve@thedaveys.co.uk all rights resrvd)

Broomfield then (Image: Chelmsford Museums)

The Griffin, Danbury (Image: Copyright 2021 steve@thedaveys.co.uk all rights resrvd)

The Griffin in Danbury then (Image: Chelmsford Museums)