TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who played an important role in chronicling Essex’s history.

Pedestrian Nancy Edwards died following a road accident in Chelmsford on Friday.

The 79 year old was on her way to the Essex Record Office - where she had spent virtually all her working life before retirement - when she was in collision with a red Seat Alhambra car while crossing Parkway at its junction with Rainsford Road.

Widow Mrs Edwards of Maltese Road was working on a book on Essex country houses which she was hoping to complete before her 80th birthday in June.

Martin Stuchfield, president of the Essex Society for Archaeology and History, of which Mrs Edwards was a member, said: “It is an absolute tragedy. She was a lady actively working and supporting various societies. She had a vast amount of knowledge and to lose someone with that knowledge is a colossal tragedy.”

Mrs Edwards was supervisor of the searchroom at the Essex Record Office when she retired in 1987. An Oxford University graduate, she came to Essex in 1953 and worked virtually all her professional life at the ERO.

When she first came to the county she worked for Dr Frederick Emmison who was appointed the first county archivist and regarded as the creator of the ERO.

Vic Gray, county archivist from 1979 to 1993 said: “She was in charge of the reading room. She was the person who gathered together the historical material and made it available to so many people.

“She gave her life to helping others and had incredible knowledge.

“She was a serious person but with a sense of fun. She was warm-hearted and generous.”

She married Gus Edwards - who also worked at the ERO - in 1978.

She wrote the definitive history on John Johnston the architect responsible for Shire Hall She was chairman of the Essex branch of the Historical Association until 2004, and was also secretary of Victoria County History from 1978 to 2000. A major book on Essex brasses published in 2003 was dedicated to her in recognition of her involvement.

Mrs Edwards was honorary archivist at Chelmsford Cathedral for 20 years from 1983 to 2003.

Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the collision which happened at 10.50am in Parkway with its junction with Rainsford Road.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “The area was busy at the time but few witnesses have come forward.”

They are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a white scaffold van or lorry who they believe may have important information. If you can help call the Chelmsford Road Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444.

*A 54 year old Chelmsford man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driver. He has been released on police bail until March 27.