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Essex<br />
Discover<br />
Colchester’s<br />
Heritage<br />
Written by Liz Mattock<br />
National Heritage Week is celebrated between Friday<br />
13 to Sunday 22 September across the country. This<br />
year it’s even more special as it is the 25th anniversary<br />
of the National Heritage Society. Colchester has a rich<br />
heritage, with Norman, Roman and Dutch links, depicted<br />
throughout its streets, buildings and landmarks. And<br />
with so much to explore - a day out here is a must. If<br />
you want to soak up Colchester’s heritage, we’ve got a<br />
couple of recommendations…<br />
St John’s Abbey Gate<br />
Originally just St John’s Abbey, the gate was built around<br />
1400 to strengthen the abbey’s defences against the<br />
local peasant revolt of 1381. It is one of the only few<br />
remaining abbey’s in England that would not surrender<br />
to Henry VIII during his reign.<br />
Enter this beautiful structure for free and pass through<br />
the original carriageway and the abbey will welcome<br />
you in. Weave your way around passageways; take in<br />
the sights of the town from the turrets. In parts the roof is<br />
now missing but not the main battlement roof which is<br />
an impressive feature in itself.<br />
St Botolph’s Priory<br />
Not far from St John’s Abbey Gate is St Botolph’s Priory.<br />
This is an impressive example of Norman mixed with<br />
Roman architecture and was one of the first religious<br />
buildings in Colchester. It held power over other<br />
buildings when setting punishments and regulations.<br />
Now, some of its ruins still stand tall and proud, but with<br />
little money invested in religious venues, it was left to<br />
decline as the more magnificent and stately structure of<br />
St John’s Abbey Gate thrived and built its defences.<br />
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