Exploring historic Roman sites in Colchester

Chair of Burnham u3a, Dave, discusses how they celebrated the u3a Hadrian's Wall project with a trip to historic sites in Colchester.

As part of our contribution to the Hadrian’s Wall Project, we at Burnham-on-Crouch u3a, with the Burnham Archaeological Group and Maldon Cluster Group visited two sites in Colchester (the oldest Roman city in Britain, famously sacked by Boudicca circa AD60-61).

We first visited the Roman Circus just outside the centre of Colchester which is the only Roman Circus so far discovered in Britain. We were greeted by a Roman soldier and our guide and were treated to a brilliant tour of the circus. This culminated in being shown outside to the original starting gates where the guide gave us a very informative talk which lasted about one hour.

We then went back to the coach and were transported to Colchester Castle. After a picnic in the park, we were given a one hour guided tour down into the depths of the castle and up to the roof with loads of information. We stood downstairs in rooms that were 2000 years old. Yet again the tour guide was full of knowledge of the history of the castle which is a Norman castle but with Roman structure all around. There was so much information that I bought a book of the castle to read at my leisure.

After the tour we had time to look round the castle museum. Thankfully the weather held and a few sat with an ice cream before boarding the coach homeward-bound after what I thought was a great day. 

Thanks to all 33 of you that supported our day.