Colchester + Ipswich Museums

Frequently Asked Questions about the Castle and our collection

Is the Castle Roman?

No, the Castle was built after the Norman conquest. However it was built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. You can still see these foundations underneath the Castle on guided tours.

When was the Castle built?

One early document, the Colchester Chronicle, states it was built in 1076 but we think that a date in the 1090s might be more likely.

How tall was the Castle?

Unfortunately it is not known how high the Castle originally was because it was heavily damaged in the late 17th century. It was once thought to have been at least twice its present height but modern research is suggesting that it in fact may not have been much higher than it is today.

Are there dungeons?

Dungeons are normally underground but at the castle we have prisons that are on the ground floor. The foundations of the Roman Temple that once stood on the same site as the castle are underneath the castle.

Who was Boudica?

Queen of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe from Norfolk and North Suffolk, leader of revolt against Rome in AD 60/61 which sacked Colchester, St Albans and London.

Did Claudius really bring elephants with him when he invaded?

We are told that elephants were involved in his triumphal entry into Colchester (or Camulodunum as it was called). Imagine being a Briton and watching those enormous animals marching past you!

Is there any connection between Colchester and King Arthur?

No. King Arthur is a semi-legendary character who led the resistance against the invading Anglo-Saxons. Any historical Arthur can only have lived in the west or north of Britain. At the time Arthur is believed to have existed, Colchester lay in the heart of enemy territory.

Is there a connection between Colchester and Humpty Dumpty?

No, this idea seems to date back only to the 1980s and there is no historical evidence to associate it with the Civil War and the Siege of Colchester.