AN historical map showing Colchester more than 250 years ago is being used to help detail how the town has changed.

Essex University student Louise Rodwell has been investigating the history of the town's High Street during a placement with the Essex Record Office.

The Ichnography of Colchester, is believed to have been produced by a local architect named James Deane.

Although it is unsigned, the record office has other works by Mr Deane.

Ms Rodwell said: "The layout of the town seen here is easily recognisable today, and is based on the streets set out by the Romans.

"Some streets are named on the map, while others are included in a key which lists 41 places indicated on the map by letters and numbers.

"These include places still familiar to us today, such as the castle, St John’s Abbey Gate, the High Street and Head Street, and other names which have fallen out of use, such as Grub Street, Hog Street and Cat Lane.

"Grub Street ran parallel to the west of North Hill before curving round to meet it, and seems to correspond with today’s Balkerne Hill and Middlebrough.

"Hog Street is in the south east of the map, and possibly is what today is known as Military Road, while Cat Lane has been upgraded to become Lion Walk."

Ms Rodwell, who is detailing her research on the Essex Record Office's blog website, said detailed observations of the map could uncover hidden gems.

She said: "This is a map that rewards detailed study, with a number of charming details to spot.

"A few of our favourites are middle row, a narrow row of shops and a church in the middle of the High Street, none of which still exist today, ships sailing on the River Colne at the Hythe in the south east corner of the map, and the three windmills shown on the southernmost edge of the map.

"No scale is given, but it is approximately 1:2,800.

"The map is dedicated to the Hon. Philip Yorke and his consort The Lady Marchioness of Grey.

"Yorke was Earl of Hardwicke, a local landowner and MP for Reigate and later Cambridgeshire."