New sign for Colchester's Roman gateway after theft

The hand-carved sign has been installed at Balkerne Gate, Britain's oldest surviving Roman gateway, replacing a sign that had welcomed visitors for decades before disappearing.

The new sign was created by Ian Rose, a senior neighbourhood operative with Colchester Council, who volunteered his own time to make it at no cost to taxpayers.

Using timber salvaged from a former High Street parklet, Mr Rose carefully crafted the replacement and fixed it to the Roman Wall using the original mounting points.

The project has won praise from Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who thanked Mr Rose for donating his time and skills to restore an important piece of the city's heritage.

Historic - Ian Rose (left) with Sir Bob Russell beneath the new sign he hand crafted for Balkerne Gate (Image: Sir Bob Russell)

The original sign had become loose in recent years before eventually being stolen, leaving one of Colchester's most historic attractions without any clear identification.

Balkerne Gate was built around 2,000 years ago as part of the walls of Camulodunum, Britain's first Roman capital. Standing on the western side of the ancient city, it served as a grand entrance for travellers, merchants and soldiers entering Roman Colchester.

Today, its towering arches remain one of the best-preserved Roman gateways anywhere in the country and attract history lovers from across the world.