The first legionary fortress built in Britain was built after Rome invaded the nation in 43 AD on the site which is now Colchester. The 20th Legion withdrew in 49 AD, the barracks were converted into housing and the fortress was converted into a town. The town was significant due to its port as well as its size.
It is the earliest recorded town in England, having been recorded in 77 AD. Residents were craftsmen specializing in glass, tiles, bricks, bronze and blacksmithing. By the fourth century, there was a large Christian community, and in fact, Britain’s earliest known Christian church was built there.
The main industry in the 12th century was wool, which was woven and dyed in Colchester, and other major industries included leather, grain, and oyster fishing in the Colne River. At the end of the 12th century, a Jewish community was established. In the last 13th century, however, all Jews were expelled from the country.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Colchester was repeatedly besieged by the plague, the worst of which were those in 1603-04 and 1665-66.
The cloth industry there deteriorated during the 18th century due to avid competition by the North of England, and by the early 19th century, it was all but dead. The wool mills were converted to grain and flour mills. The Essex County Hospital was constructed in 1818. In 1819, gas streetlights were installed. The first modern police force was established in 1836. St. Botolph’s Church was built in 1837. The railway to London went into service in 1843.
By the end of the 19th century, steam engines and other machines were manufactured in Colchester. Cobblers made a healthy living, and there was a bit of brewing going on.
Bootmaking and shoemaking were no longer Colchester industries by the early 20th century, while engineering expanded. Electric lights came to the town in 1901, and the Town Hall was erected in 1902. Electric trams were a valid form of transportation from 1904, though they were replaced by buses in 1929.
Recommended Resources
The Borough Council's official site contains a wealth of information, including information about the community, planning and building control, and local land charges. Council taxes, parking permits, and penalties can all be paid from the website. There is a section dedicated to local parks and nature reserves. There is also am area for compliments, complaints, and just comments about interactions with employees of the Borough.
https://www.colchester.gov.uk
Colchester Property Management
Family-run firm which specialises in letting furnished accommodations to students in the Colchester area has been in business for more than fifteen years. Typically, the accommodations are situated near the University of Essex and within walking distance of Tesco Superstore. A list of vacancies which contains photographs of each as well as a list of the highlights is provided.
http://www.colchesterpropertymanagement.co.uk/
This not-for-profit membership organisation consists of a wide range of both large and small businesses and promotes networking as well as offering training, education, and other information about business. Lays out the benefits of joining the Chambers and allows application directly from this website.
https://www.essexchambers.co.uk/
The topic of this website is a company which designs and builds high-quality homes which they believe a combination of the best of traditional homes and modern building methods which offer low maintenance and energy efficiency. There are photographs of some of their houses as well as pricing and availability. In addition, there are numerous testimonials and items in the news which are about the company and its houses.
http://www.merseahomes.co.uk/
This hotel traces its history back to 1400 AD and consists of both the original house and the newer wing. The site displays both the history of the hotel and photographs of its rooms. It lists four types of rooms: standard, superior, executive, and four poster and describes the features and amenities of each room. It also details its brasserie, private dining, and lounge. One may book a room or a meal online.
https://www.roseandcrowncolchester.co.uk
Informs readers about the array of things to do and see in Colchester, including places to shop, eat, drink, and stay. History tours, arts and culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly venues are addressed here as are guided tours, events, standup comedy acts, plays, and music.
https://www.visitcolchester.com
