Castle keep (including excavated remains of forebuilding in moat), CASTLE PARK

Grade I.
Built late C11 on the site of the great Roman Claudian temple (the foundations still exist under the castle), almost entirely of Roman tiles and septaria. It was probably built in circa 1080 for William the Conqueror as an important defensive work. It was much larger and more massive than any other Norman castle built in England – possibly partly because it had to enclose the great Roman foundations still existing on the site. It had 3 storeys or more and is now probably less than half its original height, though still a most imposing structure and a most important example of medieval military architecture. Demolition was begun in 1693, the height being reduced. Considerable restoration took place in the mid C18 for Charles Gray. The dome over the great staircase was added by James Deane in 1760.
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In ‘Journals of wartime Colchester’ by E J Rudsdale, with Hollytrees, Bourne Mill, Gordon Villas, Jacklins, etc.
1 photo. by jA

See painting at http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/paintings/colchester-castle-2270
British Pathe – footage of historic buildings in Colchester, 1942; see preview at http://www.britishpathe.com/video/colchester-1/query/colchester
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SEAX:
SA 8/550/1 – created 1988
Title: Archaeology and Museums in Colchester
Speaker(s): Clarke, David; Millar, Andrew
Colchester Recalled
Synopsis of tape: Interview with David Clarke, curator of Colchester Castle museum; account of early career and appointment in 1963; detailed descriptions/accounts of the following: Sir Mortimer Wheeler’s excavations in Colchester, reorganisation and refurbishment of Castle Museum, chronicle of discoveries since 1963, including North Hill Mosaic, Mercury statue, bounds of Roman fort; location of local excavation sites due to building redevelopment; conservation of Castle Chapel; repairs to fabric of castle, the cupola, relocation of the sycamore tree; treasure trove of silver coins found in 1969; extension of museum service – Essex Country Life and Crafts in Trinity Church, Bernard Mason’s clock collection in the Timperleys; natural history museum in All Saints Church, new resource and laboratory centre, Holly Trees museum; range of services available to public, publications, budgets; St Helena Chapel, Roman theatre location and other significant finds; St Osyth’s medieval wall painting, iron age tumulus grave, destruction of parts of Roman wall and loss of other historic buildings due to recent redevelopments; interpretation of use of ‘Temple of Mithras’; future projects.
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