Colchester Castle Video (Open Colchester project)

This is Colchester Castle!

Colchester Castle is a Norman castle dating somewhere in the second half of the 11th century.

The Keep of the castle (that’s the main defensive area behind the walls) is the largest example of its kind in Europe and was built on the remaining foundations of the Roman temple of Claudius.

The vaults of the Roman temple were discovered in the 17th century and are now open for arranged tours to allow visitors to go and see the original Roman foundations.

Colchester Castle has had a number of different uses over the years, one being used as a prison to interrogate witches.

Colchester Castle is a Scheduled Monument meaning that it is nationally important as an archaeological site and historic building. It’s also the home to many Roman artifacts of historical significance.

The walls are made of coarse rubble including Roman brick which was robbed from nearby ruins. Colchester has been linked to the military for hundreds of years and it is believed that the first military garrison was based at the castle in 1190.

From 1607 Colchester Castle was be owned by a number of different people until 1683 when some bright spark decided they wanted the castle demolished. However, the man charged with demolishing the castle stopped when he realised it was too difficult and too expensive.

In 1656, Quaker James Parnell was martyred in a tiny cell which could be seen just inside the castle’s entrance. In 1727 the castle was bought by Mary Webster for her daughter, Sarah, who was married to Charles Gray MP for Colchester. In the late 1740s, Grey restored parts of the building in particular the south front. He created the private park around the ruins and his summer house perched on the old Norman castle earthworks in the shape of a Roman temple can still be seen today. He also added a library and large windows and a component on the southeast tower which was completed in 1760.

In 1801, John Smith lived on site with his family. His daughter, Mary-Anne Smith was born there in 1777 and she lived her entire life in the castle becoming the librarian until her death in 1852. She is believed to have planted the Sycamore tree which is still growing on top of the southwest tower, either to celebrate the battle of Waterloo in 1815 or to mark her father’s death of the same year.

Colchester Castle Museum is well worth a visit as are the stunning grounds which are kept so well. There’s a play part for children and the grounds are regular venue for live music events.

So the next time you visit Colchester, why not visit our beautiful and unique castle too?