Stewards in Essex played a significant role in the county's history. During the medieval period, the Stewards were responsible for managing the estates of the nobility. They were in charge of collecting rents, managing the land, and ensuring that the tenants were following the rules. The Stewards were also responsible for maintaining law and order in the estates. They acted as judges and arbiters in disputes between tenants and were responsible for punishing those who broke the law.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Stewards in Essex became even more important. They were appointed by the monarch to oversee the administration of the county. They were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining the roads, and ensuring that the laws were being followed. The Stewards were also responsible for organizing the militia and defending the county against invasion. They were often wealthy landowners themselves and had a great deal of influence in the county.
Today, the role of Stewards in Essex has changed significantly. While there are still some Stewards who manage estates, their role is much less significant than it was in the past. However, the legacy of the Stewards can still be seen in the county's architecture and history. Many of the grand houses and estates that were built during the medieval and Tudor periods were managed by Stewards. The Stewards also played a significant role in the development of the county's towns and villages, and their influence can still be seen in the layout and architecture of many of these places.