Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors. Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased, including of the most important Roman finds in Britain.
The Castle is one of England's most important heritage sites and one of the most popular visitor attractions in the East of England.
A visit to Colchester Castle is now bigger, brighter and better than ever before, with brand new interactive displays including new finds and star exhibits like the Colchester Vase and the Colchester Mercury statuette.
Visitors can try out some exciting new experiences - try your hand at building a Norman archway, excavating a Roman doctor's grave or steering a chariot around Colchester's recently uncovered Roman Circus! Be wowed as a large scale 'son et lumière' projection transforms the east wall with light and sound.
There are regular family events, and plenty to occupy children from dressing up to stepping inside a recreated thatched roundhouse. Expert-led tours down into the Roman vaults and up onto the panoramic Castle roof can be booked for a small additional charge, and take place regularly every day.
Colchester Castle museum takes you through 2,000 years of some of the most important events in British history.
The collection has 'designated status' based on its quality and significance. It includes objects of national and international importance. These inspiring collections represent a vital part of our national cultural and artistic heritage.
Highlights!
Some of the most important historical finds in Britain can be seen here including:
- Sheepen Cauldron
- Gold Coins of Cunobelin
- The Lexden Medallion
- Tombstones of Facilis and Longinus
- The Gosbecks Mercury
- Colchester Vase
- The St Osyth Green Lady
Q: Is the Castle Roman?
A: No, the Castle was built after the Norman Conquest (1066) - work may have started as early as 1076. However it was built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. You can still see these foundations - the Roman Vaults - underneath the Castle on guided tours. You can also see how Roman building materials were reused in the construction of the Castle - visit to find out more.
Q: When was the Castle built?
A: One early document, the Colchester Chronicle, states it was built in 1076 but we think that a date in the 1090s might be more likely.
Q: How tall was the Castle?
A: Unfortunately it is not known how high the Castle originally was because it was heavily damaged in the late 17th century. It was once thought to have been at least twice its present height but a research conference including many international Norman specialists held while the Castle was closed for refurbishment in 2013, suggested that in fact there may only have been two main floors, more or less as seen partially today. One result of this was to rename the first floor 'crypt' as the 'chapel' - throwing confusion on what to call the previously named 'chapel' up in the roof!
Q: Are there dungeons?
A: Dungeons are normally underground but at the castle we have prisons that are on the ground floor. The foundations of the Roman Temple that once stood on the same site as the castle are underneath the castle.
Q: Who was Boudica?
A: Queen of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe from Norfolk and North Suffolk, leader of revolt against Rome in AD 60/61 which sacked Colchester, St Albans and London. The most local of the Celtic tribes surrounding Colchester in Essex and South Suffolk were called the Trinovantes.
Q: Did Claudius really bring elephants with him when he invaded?
A: We are told that elephants were involved in his triumphal entry into Colchester (or Camulodunum as it was called). Imagine being a Briton and watching those enormous animals marching past you!
Q: Is there any connection between Colchester and King Arthur?
A: No. King Arthur is a semi-legendary character who led the resistance against the invading Anglo-Saxons. Any historical Arthur can only have lived in the west or north of Britain. At the time Arthur is believed to have existed, Colchester lay in the heart of enemy territory.
Q: Is there a connection between Colchester and Humpty Dumpty?
A: No, this idea seems to date back only to the 1980s and there is no historical evidence to associate it with the Civil War and the Siege of Colchester.