Thornwood House is a Grade II Listed, Regency-styled villa originally built in 1848. It forms part of the County Square Estate, developed in the wake of rapid growth in the early 19th century, with the coming of the railways. During this time Chelmsford changed from an agricultural market town (with its origins in the early middle ages) to a centre of industry. The houses on the estate were home to the town’s wealthy citizens, including its first Mayor. Chelmsford became associated first with engineering works and later electrical goods. Marconi opened his first radio factory in the town in 1899.

 

During the 20th century, the function of the estate changed, and many of the buildings became commercial premises. Thornwood House was refurbished in the 1990s, and the Chambers of David Etherington QC has occupied the building since 1997.