Colchester archaeological tour includes Roman circus site

On Saturday (29th June), a group of about 25 visitors came to view the site of the Roman circus and to look at some exhibits which the Trust had displayed in the large downstairs room at Roman Circus House. The visitors were on an archaeological tour of Roman Colchester with guide Peter Berridge (formerly of Colchester Museum), organised by Andante Travels. Other Andante tours of Roman Britain include London, Wessex and Silchester.

Colchester was one of the most important towns in Roman Britain and it is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the country. Here we have remarkable Roman remains – the defensive town wall; the Balkerne Gate; the foundations of the temple, theatre and church; a treasure trove of artefacts in Colchester Museum; and, of course, the site of the only known Roman circus in Britain.

Trust archaeologist Don Shimmin gave the visitors a guided tour of the site of the circus starting-gates and the Trust’s recent dig  on the site of the north stand of the circus.  Among the other items on view were the Roman-style circus mosaic, the replica chariot and a model of the circus. 

Andante Travels organise archaeological tours all over the world and study days across the UK; there will be another tour of Roman Colchester in October. Andante Travels have a web-site with further information.

.