Colchester

Colchester is the oldest recorded Roman town in Britain, having been the capital of Roman Britain until Boudica's rebellion in AD 61, when the capital was relocated to London. It is located in the county of Essex, in southern England, and is characterised by its predominantly Victorian architecture with landmarks that include the Colchester Town Hall and the Jumbo Water Tower. The city is within easy reach of London and has a largely commuter population due to its excellent transport links and location close to Standsted Airport.

Colchester was already a significant Celtic settlement known as Camulodunon prior to the Roman conquest, dating as far back as the early 1st century AD. There is a theory that the legendary kingdom of Camelot might be based on what became, in that period, a very grand Roman city.

There are a number of medieval ruins in the city, including Colchester Castle, the surviving gateway of the Benedictine abbey of Saint John the Baptist and the Augustinian priory of Saint Botolph. The Dutch Quarter of Colchester town centre is also a fascinating site to visit, featuring a number of Tudor houses that belonged to the famed immigrant cloth makers. The Roman Wall can also be seen here.

Colchester has several museums: The Castle Museum, Hollytrees Museum, a Natural History Museum, and Tymperley's Clock Museum. Colchester Zoo, Borne Mill and Childsplay Adventureland are just a few of the major family attractions of the city.

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