Do you know who's to thank for your compass working? We are!
Well, not really. But one of our historical Colchestrians is! Today, in honour of William Gilberd's (Gylberde or Gilbert - depending who you ask!) Birthday, we're sharing some fantastic links in the city to this fantastic man. Born in Colchester in 1544, William is affectionately known as 'the founding father of Electromagnetism' and was an English physician, physicist and philosopher.
Today, you can celebrate our historic city's links to Gilberd with a whistle-stop William-history tour!
- Tymperleys - 1, Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN
Colchester is home to many beautiful timber-framed buildings, and one of them is Tymperleys, which now operates as a restaurant, serving up tasty afternoon tea. Though before it was a restaurant, it was a residential house.
William Gilberd lived at Tymperleys in his early years, with his house made up three major buildings which would later be split into separate residences. Nowadays, these buildings are better known as Cafe Med, Greyfriars Bookshop (which occupies the Great Hall of the family home) and Tymperleys itself.
The beautiful Tymperleys building was once home to William Gilberd and his family.
- Holy Trinity Church - Trinity Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1JN
Colchester's oldest standing building, Holy Trinity Church is the only surviving Saxon building which has an arrowhead (triangle arches) doorway in the tower and features re-used Roman bricks. But that's not all because, most relevant to our discussion, it also features a memorial plaque for the Colchester native.
It's also said that William Gilberd in buried in the adjacent churchyard, but this is often challenged by historians as some think that - in the midst of the bubonic plague! - his body would not have been transported back to his home city from London, where he is believed to have died.
While the Holy Trinity Church is currently inaccessible, visitors can still walk beside the grounds and see the church from the surrounding streets. However, in the future, you may have the chance to step back inside this historic building, as a £2.8million restoration project is set to begin work by Spring 2026.
Holy Trinity Church can be seen opposite Tymperleys.
- Town Hall - High Street, Colchester, CO1 1PJ
Our next spot is the Town Hall. Located conveniently on the High Street, the site has been the focus of civic duties for more than 800 years, starting with the Moot Hall back in 1160 and the second Town Hall being built in 1844.
Located on the High Street, Colchester's Town Hall houses a selection of intricately crafted sculptures, including one of William Gilberd (seen above).
- BONUS: The Magnet Pub - 134 North Station Road, Colchester. CO1 1UZ
Serving up a range of Cask Ales, Keg Ales and Ciders, Real Ciders, Bottles & Cans, Spirits and Hot Drinks, Colchester's first micropub has an unusual link to one of the first experimental physicist - it's named in honour of him!
The Magnet Pub is perfectly located for any visitors arriving or departing from Colchester North Station, and offers up both indoor seating and a sunny, shaded courtyard.
These are just some of the many pockets of history dotted in and around Colchester, so why not come along to discover some more on your own? Visit our 'Colchester's History' page for inspiration on where to start!
