Essex is a ceremonial county in the East of England, bordering Greater London to the south-west, Suffolk to the north-east, and the Thames Estuary to the south. It is one of England's most populous counties, with a diverse character ranging from the commuter belt and urban areas near London to rural farmland, historic market towns, and an extensive Heritage Coast. Essex has a rich history stretching back to Roman Britain and is home to cities and towns including Chelmsford, Colchester (Britain's oldest recorded town), and Southend-on-Sea.