Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle is a powerful fortress built by the Normans after their invasion of Britain. Today, the historical museum has placed its exposition within its walls.

Colchester Castle was built by decree of William the Conqueror. The work lasted almost 50 years, starting around 1070. The foundation of the fortress was the ruins of the Roman temple of Claudius. Thanks to the work of archaeologists, they are now available for inspection. The builders of the castle were not too picky in the choice of materials - stones and bricks from Roman buildings that survived at that time were used. The result was a monumental fortress with high blank walls and four corner towers. In the Middle Ages, the fortress was a prison for criminals and a place of detention for exposed witches.

In 1740, Charles Gray, to whom the castle was transferred as a result of a marriage union, actively began to restore it. So there was a red tiled roof and Italian motifs in the design of the facades, narrow loopholes were replaced by large windows. Then a library and a studio were added. It was at this time that a park was built around the fortress, which today serves as a magnificent frame for a strict military structure. On its territory there is an original fountain, and huge red carp swim in an artificial pond. This is a real green oasis in the city, a great place for walking with children and picnics.