Review: Colchester Castle visit for first time in years

Me neither… well, that was until I paid a long overdue visit to one of the city’s staple attractions, Colchester Castle, and it's safe to say I had a great time.

The last time I visited the venue was during my time in primary school for an educational trip, which I remember fondly, but I haven’t headed back since.

I have always been a fan of history, having studied it at both GCSE and A-Level, and am always keen to dive into the world of what once was.

Couple that with being able to learn more about the city in which I live and arguably its most historic landmark, it was a no-brainer to finally head back.

I have walked past the castle hundreds of times since my last visit inside, but sometimes I don’t think I stop and truly appreciate its stature.

Venue - the walk up to the castle entrance (Image: Newsquest)

Upon visiting on a mild afternoon, I enjoyed a slow walk up to the site, taking pictures of the outside and appreciating how this impressive structure was built so long ago.

After entering for just £12.50, I was warmly welcomed by the reception staff.

The museum was very quiet, and remained so throughout my whole visit, allowing me to take a slow, self-guided tour around.

Variety - there was plenty to look at as soon as you enter the museum (Image: Newsquest)

I was treated to two floors full of historic collections, information packages, replicas and more, including things to see, touch and watch.

It was a fantastic journey of Colchester through its Iron Age, Roman and Norman periods.

The ground floor had an eclectic mix of historic artefacts, models, and more, including a great opportunity to touch some of the materials used to build the castle itself, including Georgian brick, Roman tiles, concrete, Septaria and Caen stone.

Materials - the foundations of Colchester Castle (Image: Newsquest)

There was a great model of the castle itself, based on latest research, showing what the site would likely have appeared as in May 1157, when Henry II stayed for a week in Colchester.

Miniature - a model of Colchester Castle from the 12th century (Image: Newsquest)

The story of Colchester began after making my way upstairs, past an incredible Roman mosaic floor, assembled from fragments found in a garden in North Hill in 1865.

Stunning - a Roman mosaic (Image: Newsquest)

A settlement at Colchester was formed in the Iron Age, more than 2,000 years ago.

Before the Roman invasion, Colchester was called Camulodunum, meaning ‘the fortress of Camulos’, who was a native war god.

There was a great array of Iron Age coinage and coin moulds accompanying the information.

Old school - coins and moulds from years ago (Image: Newsquest)

Jumping into Roman Britain, I learned about Emperor Claudius in AD 41, who invaded Britain and received the surrender of chieftains at Colchester before returning to Rome in triumph.

Through my trip of the Roman era of Colchester, I saw a doctor’s grave excavated in Stanway by the Archaeological Trust in 1996 and the second-century Middleborough Mosaic, excavated in 1979, a replica Ballista and more.

Look back - the doctor's grave excavated in Stanway in 1996 (Image: Newsquest)

Heritage - the Middleborough Mosaic (Image: Newsquest)

Fire - the Replica Ballista in Colchester Castle (Image: Newsquest)

One of the well-known stories and best parts of the tour was re-learning about AD 60, and the Iceni tribe’s attack on Norfolk and Suffolk, led by Queen Boudica.

The Iceni and Trinovates tribe of Essex were rebelling against their treatment by the Romans, with everyone living in Colchester killed during the attack.

Buildings were looted and then set on fire to destroy all trace of the Roman town.

My favourite model was the Temple of Claudius, which was the most famous building in Roman Britain.

Model - the Temple of Claudius (Image: Newsquest)

The Romans took refuge in the Temple when Colchester was attacked but were overwhelmed and slaughtered and the building destroyed.

Following Boudica’s defeat the temple was rebuilt and remained a symbol of Roman power and authority for the next 350 years.

Looking on - the castle has two floors of historical fun (Image: Newsquest)

The next parts of the tour took me through the golden age of the Roman era, showing off and learning about Roman cooking utensils, central heating, a Garderobe, or castle toilet, the Roman Circus and more.

Different - learning about historic castle toilets (Image: Newsquest)

The trip finished with learning about life beyond Roman Britain in Colchester, with the Saxons and Normans and Medieval eras.

All good museum trips have to finish with a trip to the gift shop, and after a quick look around, the experience was complete.

Look around - the gift shop in Colchester Castle (Image: Newsquest)

Overall, I had a great time at the castle.

For the price of entry and plethora of things to see, touch and listen to, it was money well spent, and a great opportunity to learn more about Colchester’s roots.

The only thing to do next time is to drag family and friends back during my inevitable return.