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Colchester Castle, Essex

Colchester, in Essex, is the oldest recorded town in Britain, the first major town set up by the Romans after their invasion. A vast Temple of Claudius was built at Colchester, and it was here that the people of Colchester took refuge in AD60 during a rebellion against Roman rule led by Boudicca, leader of the disaffected Icini tribe. Barricades held for two days before the temple was finally overwhelmed.

The Temple of Claudius acted as a castle for Colchester's populatuion, and it is fascinating how often there are links between castles and religious buildings. Going back to the earliest fortifications, it is striking how similar the circular ditches and banks of ancient castles are to early religious sites such as Avebury with their mystical circular banks and ditches. Similar structures were used in seeking physical and spiritual security. Six hundred years after the Romans left Britain, the now ruined temple finally officially became a castle, when in 1076 William the Conqueror ordered a royal fortress to be built in Colchester. The vast base of the ruined Roman temple offered ready made foundations for the largest castle ever seen in Britain.

For most of its life Colchester Castle was used as a prison. It was most famously used for this purpose in 1645 when the "Witchfinder General" Matthew Hopkins imprisoned suspected witches here. A building designed to keep people out spent most of its life keeping people in. Many castles have been used for this purpose, the most famous being the Tower of London. Castles are fascinatingly ambivalent buildings.

Opening Times: The castle and museum are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm, last admission being 4.30pm. The castle is closed 24th - 27th December and 1st January.

Address: Colchester Castle, Castle Park, High Street, Colchester CO1 1TJ

Directions: Colchester Castle is in Castle Park at the eastern end of the High Street. Park in one of the town centre car parks. Both the bus and trains stations are only a short walk away. Click here for an interactive map centred on Colchester Castle.

Access: Wheelchair access is good through most of the building, except for the roof and the Roman vaults. Some lectures are signed.

Contact:

telephone: 01206 282939

fax: 01206 282925