Roman Colchester

The Emperor Claudius spent just sixteen days in Britain, long enough to lead his troops into Camulodunum and receive the submission of several British kings. The Roman army then built a legionary fortress on the highest ground inside Camulodunum, the site of the present town centre.

By AD49 the fortress at Camulodunum had been turned into a civilian settlement named Colonia Claudia after the Emperor, and this became the first capital of the new Roman province of Britainnia.

The colonia was populated mainly by retired soldiers, whose role was to spread Roman civilisation and keep and eye on the natives. Many of the military buildings were retained and converted, but the legionary defences were dismantled, leaving the town fatally unprotected. Large public buildings were constructed, including a theatre and a senate house. The grandest building of all was the Temple of Claudius, built to worship the Emperor after his death in AD54, when he was made a God.

Colchester Castle stands on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, and the foundations can be visited on guided tours which take place daily at Colchester Castle.

Roman Colchester was virtually destroyed a few years after it was founded. In AD60 Queen Boudica of the Iceni, led a major rebellion against the Roman rulers who submitted to Claudius in AD43. After his death the Romans assaulted his widow Boudica and her daughters, refusing to accept the women as the king's heirs.

A revolt erupted and Boudica led her followers against Camulodunum the Roman capital. Here the Iceni joined forces with the Trinovantes to attack and burn the undefended town. Those who survived retreated to the town's largest building. The Temple of Claudius, but they could only hold out for a couple of days. The Temple, which had been paid for through local taxes and built with slave labour of the Britons, was a focus of hatred. It was burnt and all the defenders slaughtered.

Colchester was quickly rebuilt but this time the town was enclosed by a substantial defensive wall. Some two thirds of the wall still stand today and is the oldest town wall in Britain. A particular section of interest is Balkerne Gate, the original main entrance to the town.

The Gosbecks site is located on the south-western edge of Colchester as it is known today. Gosbecks was Cunobelin's (referred to as the King of Britons) royal seat at Camulodunum. After the Roman invasion, Gosbecks was allowed to continue as a flourishing native centre, watched over firstly by a Roman fort which could house 500 soliers. Nearby the largest of the five known Roman theatres in Britain was built, with seating up to 5000 people. There was also an impressive Romano-Celtic temple complex. The discovery nearby the Colchester Mercury, the finest bronze figure from Roman Britain, shows that even native religion was becoming Romanised. Gosbecks can be visited as it being preserved as an Archaeological Park, and its various historic features are explained on site.

Archaeological excavations over many years have revealed a town of importance and sophistication. It was a consumer society catered for by mass-production and international trade. There was a theatre, at least 8 temples, public water supply, over 40 pottery kilns, glass and metal manufacturers and a major industrial complex. Large town houses have been uncovered with under floor heating and many fine decorated mosaic floors.

On the edge of the main cemetery, at Butt Road, the earliest known Christian Church in Britain, dating from the 4^th Century, has been uncovered. The foundations are on display next to the police station there is interpretation board for visitors.

Colchester Castle Museum is an excellent museum located in the heart of the town and is a must visit for all those interested in history. Guided tours are available daily so you can get the most out of your visit.

Colchester's amazing Roman past continues to be uncovered when in 2004, the only Roman Circus in Britain was discovered to the south of the town. Its future is now secured thanks to fundraising efforts which took place in 2010. The whole town is proud of its heritage. Watch this space for future developments.

The Visitor Information Centre is proud to run a number of theme tours of Colchester. This year you can experience our Roman heritage on a number of tours, Walk the Walls with qualified guide and local author Barbara Butler, go on Patrol with a Roman Legionnaire and visit the site of the Roman circus on a fascinating garrison tour. Click here to see our programme of tours or get in touch with us, 01206 282920 or email vic@colchester.gov.uk