234 HISTORY OF THE 



ESSEX. 



Chelmsford, on the junction of the riv^ers Cann 

 and Chelmer, 29 miles from London. In 1831, 

 the inhabitants amounted to 5,435. The course is 

 oval, and being about thirty yards short of two 

 miles in circumference, the horses start between 

 the distance-post and the winning-chair, to make 

 up the two miles. 



The races are held towards the latter end of 

 August, and afford two days' excellent sport to a 

 numerous and fashionable attendance. On the 

 first day, in addition to her Majesty's plate of 

 lOOgs., the Stewards give a plate of £50 to be run 

 for. A town plate of £50 is generally given on the 

 second day, although not run for at the last 

 meeting. 



GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 



Bibury. — Races are held at this place at the 

 close of the hunting season, when several hunters' 

 stakes are run for, but the horses being for the 

 most part half-bred, and ridden by gentlemen, this 

 meeting is merely of local interest. 



CLIFTON AND BRISTOL. 



Bristol is a large commercial city, partly within 

 the boundary of the county of Somerset, and 

 partly in that of Gloucester, though it is a county 



