Lion Walk Colchester nostalgia looking back at history

Lion Walk contains a rich history, being in the former Roman capital of Britain, it contains some key historical memories, including Roman mosaics.

Since 1357, the street has been referred to as Lion Walk, but it was previously called Cat Lane.

Uncovered - part of the mosaic found in Lion Walk (Image: Public)

The name Lion Walk actually came from a large Roman mosaic depicting a lion, which was eventually found underneath the road between 1971 and 1975, in front of where Boots now stands.

The mosaic was given to the Colchester Castle Museum and a replica of the ‘walking lion’ was put on the wall near the Lion Walk church spire in 2009.

Replica - sign in tribute of the mosaic found in Lion Walk (Image: Newsquest)

Shoppers - Lion Walk in the 1980s (Image: Newsquest)

During the big dig, they found evidence that a large Roman house used to stand on the site in the 4th century.

The street, which is now home to a busy shopping centre, hosting a number of national and local businesses, has completely transformed from what it once was.

Memories - what Lion Walk once looked like (Image: Newsquest)

Lion Walk was historically a house-lined street leading to the Red Lion coaching inn, built in 1481.

Works began to transform the street after the archaeological dig, with the shopping centre ready for opening in 1976.

History - view of original church building and steeple (Image: Newsquest)

A later £20 million revamp came in 2009 when a bridge linking Culver Street East and Culver Walk was taken down.

The Lion Walk Church in Lion Walk, meanwhile, has an entire history of its own.

The site where the church now stands was purchased in 1767 and a round meeting house was built.

Shops - Lion Walk shoppers in the 1980s (Image: Newsquest)

This was used for nearly 100 years before a decision was made to rebuild the structure used for worship.

The building of the Victorian gothic-style church building we know today cost £6,500, with work starting in 1862.

Development - works in progress in lion Walk (Image: Newsquest)

The original steeple fell twice before the 1900s due to a storm and an earthquake.

The Lion Walk church became part of the United Reformed Church in 1972 and the church was rebuilt after the original stone began to deteriorate.

Protected - church and steeple covered during works (Image: Newsquest)

Design - artists impression for the new church (Image: Newsquest)

The existing steeple remained but a new small hall and church were built above the shops in Lion Walk.

Progress - works ongoing to uncover the mosaic in Lion Walk (Image: Martin Leatherdale)

Works are now ongoing outside New Look and Boots to uncover the Roman mosaics found under the surface of the street.