Pilgrim Fathers Painting, Essex County Hall (Chelmsford, 1937)

In the 1930s, the Essex County Hall was greatly expanded from one red brick building (built in 1909) through a Portland stone extension (designed by J Stuart). For the Council Chamber, four large panels were painted to adorn the east wall. Each depicted episodes famous in the history of the county: Boadicea at the Roman Fortress of Camulodunum [Colchester], John Ball preaching during the Peasant’s Revolt (14^th century), Samuel Pepys inspecting the navy at Harwich (17^th century), and the embarkation of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth. Though the last panel, painted by A.R. Thomson, related more to Devon, several of the Fathers came from Essex and the ship was captained by a Harwich man and – according to some – possibly built there too.

‘Essex County Council’, Chelmsford Chronicle (8th January 1937), p. 5.

Illustrated London News (30 April 1938), p. 10.