Chelmsford is a city in Essex, England, situated northeast of London. It is the principal settlement of the City of Chelmsford district, which also includes a number of smaller towns and villages. The city has a long and interesting history, with evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic era. During the Roman period, Chelmsford was an important town on the road from London to Colchester, and there are still many remnants of this era in the city, including the remains of a Roman villa. Today, Chelmsford is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving economy and a rich cultural scene. It is home to two major universities, as well as a number of museums, galleries, and performance spaces.