The council held its first official meeting on 2 April 1889 at the Shire Hall in Chelmsford. The first chairman of the council was Andrew Johnston of Woodford, a Liberal, who held the post for 27 years until he stood down in 1916.
The council had its first official meeting on 2 April 1889 at the Shire Hall in Chelmsford. The initial chairman of the council was Andrew Johnston from Woodford, a Liberal, who held the position for 27 years until he retired in 1916.