Plaque unveiled to mark Margaret Thatcher's old Colchester home

Organised by Colchester Civic Society, the blue plaque has been installed at Colchester English Study Centre, one of three locations in the town where the late Baroness Thatcher lived.

The plaque was unveiled by Colchester’s Conservative MP Will Quince at the centre in Lexden Road.

Mr Quince said it was an “honour” to be asked to be involved in the unveiling.

Will Quince unveiled the plaque on Friday

He said: “I was fortunate to meet Lady Thatcher in 2008, a truly inspirational woman - that she once lived in Colchester is a little known fact.

“Thank you to Colchester Civic Society for organising the event.”

Having graduated from Oxford University in 1947, Baroness Thatcher, then Miss Roberts, moved to Colchester where she took a job as a research chemist for BX Plastics in Brantham.

She spent two years living in Lexden Road, Maldon Road and Cambridge Road and catching the bus to her new job.

The Iron Lady was also active in the Colchester branch of the Young Conservatives before moving to Dartford where she got her first political candidacy.

The controversial political figure, known for her uncompromising politics and leadership style, became Prime Minister in 1979.

She maintained her close connection with north Essex until her death in 2013 as her sister Muriel lived on a farm near Harwich.

Jo Edwards, chairman of Colchester Civic Society, said: “The society is completely apolitical and blue plaques commemorate rather than celebrate people, places and events.

“We have plans to erect several more plaques in and around the town.

“Hopefully the next will be on the site of the Lock Hospital, followed by a plaque commemorating former Colcestrian, Charles Henry Harrod, founder of Harrods Department Store, London.”