VISITORS to Colchester could witness its most significant historical events first-hand under a pioneering virtual reality vision.

Intrigued history fans could watch on as Boudicca burns the Temple of Claudius to the ground or experience the Roman Circus on a race day if plans come to fruition.

Colchester Council’s culture and heritage boss Pam Cox is championing the effort to bring the city’s past into a new age.

She said: “The challenge we have with our history is that so much of it is not visible. It is underground or covered up.

Gazette: Impressive - a VR experience of Colchester made by Mike GoganImpressive - a VR experience of Colchester made by Mike Gogan (Image: Mike Gogan)

Gazette: Boudicca's revenge - visitors to Colchester could witnessthe Temple of Claudius being burnt to the groundBoudicca's revenge - visitors to Colchester could witnessthe Temple of Claudius being burnt to the ground (Image: Peter Froste)

“Virtual reality can recreate towns that are lost. I am trying to get the same techniques at our attractions in Colchester.”

Mrs Cox said visitors could wear VR glasses as they walk around the town wall and watch Romans come and go, while the experience could be gamified for youngsters to enjoy.

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“Take the Roman Circus, for example,” she continued. “They don’t have access to funding and that has been the perennial problem with the Roman Circus since it was found.

“There are just static boards there, it really needs a massive step change. Virtual reality could bring it to life.”

Gazette: Historic - Colchester's Roman Circus could be brought to life by virtual realityHistoric - Colchester's Roman Circus could be brought to life by virtual reality

VR is already being used by people across the globe to unlock previously untapped potential.

Armies have used it to explore warzones safely while surgeons can practice risky operations without consequence.

Now £40 million of Government funding pumped into building 5G networks across the country could provide the infrastructure to make virtual reality more commonplace.

Experts are due to gather to show what can be done with Colchester’s ancient heritage during an event at the University of Essex on Friday at 10am.

Gazette: Heritage boss - Colchester councillor Pam CoxHeritage boss - Colchester councillor Pam Cox (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Cox added: “The event is going to bring together the council to talk about what they can do with VR, heritage experts who have the knowledge but don’t have the resources to use it and industry experts who do have the resources but no project yet.

“I think there is huge potential for Colchester given we have the University of Essex and the 5G infrastructure.”

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