a municipal and parliamentary borough and market-town, county of Essex, on the right bank of the Chelmer, about a mile from its junction with the Blackwater, 37 miles N.E. by E. of London by road, and 44 miles by the Eastern Counties Railway. It consists of two principal streets, crossing each other at right angles, the largest of which runs from E. to W., and is upwards of a mile in length. The town is only partially paved, but is well lighted with gas, and excellently supplied with water. The buildings are mostly of ancient date, but many handsome structures may be seen of recent erection. Among the public buildings the chief is All Saints Church, a very ancient edifice. There is also an ancient town-hall, supposed to have been built in the time of Henry VI. The town possesses also a free grammar school with a library, which was founded by Alderman Breeder in 1608, besides minor educational and several charitable institutions. The harbour, which is formed by the River Blackwater, is accessible to vessels of 200 tons burden, while those of a larger size are loaded by means of lighters in the offing. The town drives a thriving trade in salt, coal, iron, corn, &c. There is also a good deal of fishing, and fine oysters are got in great abundance here. There are in the town malt-houses, breweries, boat-building yards, sail-lofts, cooperages, soap-works, and iron foundries. The market-day is Thursday; and fairs are held twice a year, in May and September. The borough is governed by four aldermen and twelve councillors, and sends two members to Parliament. This town is supposed to be the ancient Camulodunum, from which its modern name seems to have been derived. It was the earliest colony established by the Romans in Britain, and had formerly been the seat of some native princes. Pop. (1851) 5888.