Minor British Institutions: Essex
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Is there a county with a readier, headier image than Essex? No. Essex is brash-blonde-bling, a shining cypher for uncomplicated pursuits like shopping, football and nail polishing. Is it really like that? In parts, but then so is Yorkshire.
I could tell you that Dame Maggie Smith is from Ilford; extol Constable country; and confide that Frinton-on-Sea is so refined I was once advised I would be happier at nearby Clacton. But it would be pointless, because Essex is a useful euphemism employed by smart metropolitans unwilling to be seen sneering at what used to be known as the Working Class.
Still, there's a reason why it has been so selected, even beyond Darren Day, Denise Van Outen and Dick Turpin. And that's a historic self-confidence and disinclination to defer. You might know that the Peasants' Revolt began in Essex; but were you aware that the East Saxons were much the most enthusiastic pagans, and the last to be converted to Christianity?
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments