The beautiful Essex town home to Olly Murs that's barely changed in 100 years

Essex has such an abundance of beautiful areas whether its the countryside or well built up. We have so many different attractions here, so its hard not to love Essex in all its glory.

From a whopping 350-miles of stunning coastline - and with that there's beautiful beaches, to our meandering and rolling hills of the Essex countryside - what's not to love? We also have some rather bustling cities here too, perfect for those who prefer the hectic city life.

But throughout the years Essex often changes, with areas once known for the country beginning to fill up with new homes. For one Essex area though, its barely changed in 100 years, and that's what makes it so full of charm.

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Coggeshall, situated between Braintree and Colchester, currently boasts a vibrant community with an array of local shops, cafes, and markets that reflect the area's artisanal and agricultural heritage. This blend of historical significance which you can still see today and modern rural charm makes Coggeshall a delightful destination for visitors and a cherished home for its residents.

It has a population of just under 4,000 and is best known for its wool and cloth trade history. Many people visit this quaint town to visit its many historic sites, and its market whose charter was granted in 1256 by King Henry III. The almost unheard of town has a great history, and plenty of famous faces that have called it home. X-Factor icon Olly Murs even lived here.

Several medieval buildings stand where they have for centuries, including Paycocke's House on West Street. Owned by the National Trust, Paycocke's was once a Tudor merchant's house. The house has been preserved and still looks the same today as it would have done hundreds of years ago. It is now a museum, open to the public to learn more about the house and the town's history.

You can also find Grange Barn and the remains of a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey in the town. Walking around Coggeshall, you will also notice a number of old building with timber frames. With meandering streets, where houses lean erratically onto the pavement, specialist shops, eating places, historic buildings, mysteries and stories of the past, this small town has a unique charm.