Colchester Castle Museum

Colchester Castle Museum the most ancient building in the town. Beneath the building laying the remains of the Temple of Claudius, it was the Romans most famous creation. The stonework of the castle is amazing and ancient. Romans believe the castle and the temple are the symbols of their success and power. When the Sacking of the Colchester was being done in AD 60 then these buildings were ruined and after the revolt had stopped then Romans rebuilt the magnificent temple and castle.

Colchester Castle was also used as a prison for almost half of its life. It was used by Matthew Hopkins to imprison the witches. In 1860 the Castle was transformed into a museum for the people. Still this place has a vibrant look and environment. It is considered to be the flagship museum of the town and it shows the real picture of Britain’s oldest town called Colchester. In the museum you can find the events occurred in British history 2000 years ago. It is now an award-winning museum. It features the history of the Colchester town starting from the Stone Age to Civil War.

In the museum many events held related to the ancient history of Romans and British. You can see the most important historical things from the Britain like Colchester Vase, the finest piece of Roman pottery. Gold coins that were used by King Cunobelin and many other such ancient things. Many audio-visual dramas are also performed there for the better understanding of British history. Guides are also available there for the help of the visitors. They help you in exploring the cultural history of Britain. You can also touch the ancient Roman pottery to have a feel of it. Roman Armour is also their that you can hold in your to measure its weight. For school children also it is a good place to explore and discover the historical characters.

Colchester castle museum is a perfect place where you can find the exact details about the heritage and culture of the ancient Roman town called Colchester.

History

Colchester was the first capital of Roman Britain and beneath the Castle are the remains of the most famous Roman buildings, the Temple of Claudius. Today if you lay your hand on the stonework of the temple it can be said that you are touching the very foundation of Roman Britain.

To Romans the temple was a symbol of their power and success, but to the native Britons it was a symbol of oppression. The temple became a main target of the rebels led by Queen Boudica who attacked the Roman town of Colchester in AD 60. The town's citizens barricaded themselves into the temple but after two days they were all killed.

It is estimated that up to 30,000 people could have been killed during the sacking of Colchester. After the revolt was suppressed the town and its magnificent temple were rebuilt.

Around 1076 William I ordered a royal fortress to be built at Colchester. The great stone base of the ruined Roman temple was an obvious foundation for the central tower, or keep, of the castle.

The huge size of the temple meant that the keep of Colchester Castle was the largest ever built in Britain and is the largest surviving example in Europe. For most of its life the Castle was used as a prison. One of the most infamous episodes in its history occured in 1645 when Matthew Hopkins, the self-styled Witchfinder General, used the Castle to imprison and interrogate suspected witches.

The Castle first opened to the public as a museum in 1860. Today it is still a living vibrant place.