Join Colchester Archaeological Trust for More Than Bricks and Mortar: Historic Buildings and the Lives Within, a lecture by Chris Lister exploring how historic buildings preserve the stories of the people who lived, worked, and left their marks within them. Drawing on CAT projects, the talk reveals hidden lives through building recording, documentary research, garrison graffiti, and other intriguing examples from Colchester’s past.
From September 2026 until July 2027, the Bayeux Tapestry will be on loan to the British Museum. The famous tapestry illustrates the Norman Conquest of 1066; a major legacy in Colchester is our magnificent castle, built by Eudo Dapifer, the Aristocratic steward of William the Conqueror.
Howard will discuss Eudo Dapifer and the building of the castle, as well as the local context of Norman-period stone houses and churches in Colchester.
In 2024, the richly furnished burial of a high-status Roman woman was discovered in Lexden, Colchester. No expense was spared in preserving and protecting her body for safe passage into the afterlife. Buried within a beautifully decorated lead coffin, both frankincense and gypsum were found inside, along with jet hairpins. Even more remarkable were the remains of bronze fittings from a bespoke basketry casket which held seven rarely found glass flasks. The Lexden Lady’s burial reveals that Colchester remained a desirable place to live for social elites in the late Roman period, when many of the wealthy were moving to country villas.
Ancient Roman Breads: A Talk and Tasting with Giovanni Di Sarno Take a journey back in time with Giovanni Di Sarno, The Travelling Baker, and discover the ingredients, techniques, and […]
An illustrated talk with our resident public speaker: Roman historian, researcher and archaeologist, Richard Bale. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS Ancient Rome Through Its Buildings – Part II This second lecture […]
An illustrated talk with our resident public speaker: Roman historian, researcher and archaeologist, Richard Bale. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS Ancient Rome Through Its Buildings – Part I This two-part lecture […]
Illustrator and general finds guru Emma shares eight of her favourite artefacts from over 20 years of excavating in Colchester. From beautiful to bizarre, each Roman or Late Iron Age object has its own story — and Emma brings them to life with insight, humour, and a deep appreciation for the small things that make the past personal.
Find out about the most surprising and exciting archaeological discoveries from Colchester made over the past few years. Drawing on CAT’s latest excavations and ongoing research, this talk offers a captivating glimpse into unexpected artefacts and remains that continue to reshape our understanding of Roman Colchester.
Join us for a magazine-style tour of fresh finds that reveal new stories hidden beneath the city’s streets – perfect for anyone eager to stay up to date with the cutting edge of local archaeology and history.
This richly illustrated talk explores nearly 20 years of fieldwork at the Colchester Garrison site – one of CAT’s largest and most significant projects in terms of understanding the Iron Age and Roman landscape outside of the walled city. From rural farmsteads to sprawling cemeteries, Ben reveals the archaeological landscape that once lay at the heart of Camulodunum, and how it contributes to our picture of life in Roman Britain.
Join historian Richard Bale for an engaging talk on Colchester’s Roman Temples and Theatres, exploring the town’s ancient civic buildings and their role in religious, political, and community life. Discover how Colchester, once Camulodunum, the first Roman capital of Britain, showcased both Roman influence and local traditions through its temples and theatres. The talk will highlight the use of temples for imperial cult worship, civic rituals, and local devotion, and examine how theatres served beyond entertainment, hosting festivals, performances, and public gatherings. Drawing on archaeological evidence and historical accounts, Bale will provide insights into the enduring legacy of Roman Colchester.