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Colchester is the largest of all the settlements in the County of Essex in England. The town actually claims to be the oldest one in Britain and is certainly the oldest recorded Roman town in England. Because of its history, there are plenty of Colchester attractions, which one can enjoy whilst visiting the town. Here, we’ll take a look at some that should be on your shortlist when you visit Colchester.
1. Balkerne Gate – This is the most complete Roman gateway you will find in Britain and is believed to have been built at around 55AD. Years ago, the gate was part of the main route into the town but over time was then transformed into a triumphal arch instead. Then, later, the gateway was merged into the town’s walls then in 465 AD it got blocked up to help improve the town’s defence system. It was rediscovered about a hundred years ago and this is why it has remained in such good condition that you see today.
2. Charter Market – This is believed to be the oldest recorded market in the UK and has been a regular feature of the town for over 800 years. The market was granted a Royal Charter in 1189 by King John and this is where its name originates from. You can still find a market at Charter Market twice a week, on Fridays and Saturdays and there is a wide variety of things to choose from as no two stalls can sell the same items.
3. Colchester Castle – This Norman castle is built on the foundations of what was the Roman Temple to Claudius. However, the Roman temple was smashed to pieces in 60 AD as part of Queen Boudica’s campaign to force the Romans to leave Britain. The actual stone that was used by the Normans to make the current castle which means the fabric of the building dates back to the Romans.
The castle boasts one of the largest and oldest castle keeps to be built in Europe and inside the walls of the castle there are lots of things to see and do. The castle houses exhibitions, which span more than 2,000 years of British history and there are interactive displays to keep your youngsters busy. Whilst touring the castle you might want to find out about the Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins who used it as a jail at the times that the trials were taking place.
4. Colchester Zoo – This is one of the finest zoos to be found in Europe today located a short drive from Colchester. Set in some 60 acres of beautiful countryside the zoo has more than 200 species of animal for you to view. Naturally, the elephants can be found in Elephant Kingdom, and Chimp World is home to the zoo’s chimpanzees. Also you’ll find the other bits of the zoo just as enthralling. As with any zoo, you’ll almost certainly find yourself spending lots of time here.
Choose your Colchester hotel or guest house from this list.
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