Essential Hotels > England > Essex > Colchester

Colchester has 2000 years of history existing alongside 21st century culture. It is the oldest recorded town in Britain and so some of the most important events in British history have taken place here. Historical treasures relating to these events can be seen in its museums and in the town’s streets. There is a wealth of attractions in Colchester and the surrounding area that are sure to give you lots of fun packed days. There is an ever-changing array of events on throughout the year whether you are a resident who would like a day out or a visitor wanting to plan your stay.
Colchester, set in the south-eastern county of Essex, has been the inspiration for famous English artists like Constable, Gainsborough and Munnings. Colchester offers contemporary art galleries and cafes for you to enjoy and while you are investigating you could peruse the small shops or treat yourself in the larger stores. Other notable names who were born in or who have lived in Colchester include former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Blur lead singer Damon Albarn, Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon and morality campaigner Mary Whitehouse.

Next, the food will literally make your mouth water! A delicious mix of tastes from every corner of the world served with a cosmopolitan ambience. At night discover clubs, theatres, music and open-air café culture by day, the beautiful landscapes in the classic Victorian Castle Park and take some time to appreciate the extensive views of nearby coast and countryside.

This one time capital of Roman Britain was first mentioned by Pliny the Elder as long ago as 79AD after the Romans had entered the country in 43AD and stationed a fortress in the Colchester area. At this time the settlement was known as Camulodunon and town walls were added between the years 65 and 80. Significantly, a Roman Circus – a chariot race track – was unearthed under parts of Colchester, a most unusual find.

Later, in 880 Colchester was given over to Danelaw and remained under the Danes until 917. After this the Saxons took their turn of control and it was not much later that Colchester Castle was installed, a feature that still stands today. Throughout the 14th century the woollen cloth industry provided economic impetus before weavers from Flanders emigrated from 1550 to 1600 turning Colchester into a prosperous wool town. Today, there are more than 100,000 people living in the town, and it is among the fastest growing towns in the country.