Colchester Castle — Attraction in Colchester

Where you can literally touch history spanning 2,000 years. A complete castle set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Colchester. Great for children and convenient for the heart of the town and railway, and paid parking. Bonus... foundations of temple to Claudia's, Norman origins, Civil War and Quaker history.

The history of Colchester Castle spans many fascinating periods, from its Roman origins through the Boudiccan Revolt, the Norman conquest, and the English Civil War.

Roman Times: Colchester, known as Camulodunum, was the first Roman capital of Britain. In AD 43, Emperor Claudius established the settlement, complete with a temple. The temple's foundations served as the base for what would become Colchester Castle, a symbol of Roman power in the region. It stood as a testament to the might of the Roman Empire.

Boudicca's Revolt: In AD 60 or 61, Boudicca, the Queen of the Iceni, led a major uprising against Roman rule. During this revolt, Colchester was besieged and ultimately razed to the ground. The destruction of the Roman settlement was extensive, including the original Roman temple that would later be replaced by the castle.

Norman Conquest: After the Norman Conquest of 1066, William the Conqueror ordered the construction of Colchester Castle, starting in the late 11th century. The Normans used the ruined Roman temple's foundations as a base for the castle's keep. This imposing fortress became a symbol of Norman authority in England and was a vital component of their defensive network.

English Civil War: During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Colchester Castle played a significant role as a Royalist stronghold. It was besieged by Parliamentarian forces led by Sir Thomas Fairfax in 1648. After a protracted and destructive siege, the Parliamentarians emerged victorious. The castle suffered substantial damage during the conflict.

These distinct periods in the history of Colchester Castle tell a story of transformation, from a symbol of Roman power to a formidable Norman fortress and, ultimately, a battleground during the English Civil War. Today, the castle stands as a historic monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry...

Colchester Castle is an extraordinary historical landmark that offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain's rich past. From the moment you approach the castle, you’re struck by its impressive stature and well-preserved Norman architecture. The castle is steeped in history, having stood since the 11th century, and exploring it feels like stepping back in time.

The museum inside is superbly curated, with exhibits that cover everything from the Roman origins of Colchester to the medieval period. The displays are informative and engaging, with a mix of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and multimedia presentations that bring history to life for visitors of all ages. The section on Boudica and the Roman invasion is particularly compelling, providing a vivid account of the events that shaped the region.

One of the highlights is the guided tour of the castle’s vaults and roof. The knowledgeable guides do an excellent job of explaining the castle’s history and architecture while leading you through areas not accessible on a regular visit. The views from the rooftop are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of Colchester and the surrounding countryside.

The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which provide a peaceful setting for a stroll or a picnic. It’s a lovely place to relax and take in the atmosphere after exploring the castle.

The staff at Colchester Castle are friendly and enthusiastic, clearly passionate about sharing the history of this remarkable site. The castle is also very family-friendly, with plenty of activities to keep children entertained, including a treasure hunt and hands-on exhibits.

Overall, Colchester Castle is a must-see attraction that combines history, beauty, and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an enjoyable day out, the castle offers something for everyone. It’s a visit you won’t...

An interesting visit, but rather disappointing. And I’m going to be really nitpicky here. Perhaps it’s just me, but I find the paucity of information really astonishing. I’m not sure that I understand why I have to get my phone out and look up the Wikipedia entries for everything; whether it be pottery or the history of the castle itself. There are sections on the Roman invasion or Boadicea’s revolt but the few artefacts aren’t backed up with anything that brings the display to light. There’s no discussion of why the Romans invaded Britain. How long it took to conquer the different parts of the country. How Colchester fitted into the grand scheme of things and was joined to other parts of the country and what about a timeline and map of Boadicea’s campaign? Given that she was so successful how was she so easily defeated by the Roman? Just explaining that, would teach a great deal but the differences between Roman and British culture.

It feels as though the museum is a collection of artefacts with little bits of writing about each of them (and yes, I suppose that’s what a museum is, but with a little imagination, it can be so much more ) and the attempt to put them into context aimed at school children.

I went there on a Monday at 10 am and I was one of three people visiting with the exception of two classes of school children. A more informative display could’ve kept me occupied for three or four hours, but as it was, I’d basically seen everything there was to see within an hour.

Apart from some general information about Colchester as the capital of Roman Britain prior to London and its continuation as the religious Centre there wasn’t really anything new that I learned. I’m not some weird nerdy expert on the Romans. I’m a 67-year-old Londoner that’s been to more than one museum in my life. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Some of the things themselves were...