In 1950, the county of Essex started at Ilford, I believe. I was born in Romford, Essex, as my parents were living in Nags Head Lane Brentwood,(used to be 'Burnt Wood' years ago). Always proud to be an Essex boy. Now the Greater London Council tried to have Brentwood and it's environs incorporated into their control zone (and we know what that means). Some years ago, my mother and her neighbours in the Lane all received letters asking it they wanted to be under the GLC umbrella, with all it's 'wonderful advantages'. Everyone said NO. If you look at the ULEZ zone around the M12 of the M25, you can see the result - a neat kink around Nags Head Lane. Otherwise it would have meant a ULEZ charge every time I visited her. Living in Hampshire, I visit the grave of both my parents and grand-parents at South Weald cemetery at least twice a year to tidy it up and say 'Hello'. Up to now, no ULEZ charge.
I resent that the media say that Essex people sound like the TOWIE yobs as portrayed on TV etc. They are not speak the way that true Essex people do.
Moan over!!