History in Structure

The Castle Keep (Including Excavated Remains of Forebuilding in Moat)

A Grade I Listed Building in Colchester, Essex

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Coordinates

Latitude: 51.8906 / 51°53'26"N

Longitude: 0.9031 / 0°54'11"E

OS Eastings: 599864

OS Northings: 225325

OS Grid: TL998253

Mapcode National: GBR SN5.F4M

Mapcode Global: VHKFZ.LRS0

Plus Code: 9F32VWR3+76

Entry Name: The Castle Keep (Including Excavated Remains of Forebuilding in Moat)

Listing Date: 24 February 1950

Grade: I

Source: Historic England

Source ID: 1123674

English Heritage Legacy ID: 116865

ID on this website: 101123674

Location: Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1

County: Essex

District: Colchester

Electoral Ward/Division: Castle

Parish: Non Civil Parish

Built-Up Area: Colchester

Traditional County: Essex

Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Essex

Church of England Parish: Colchester St Botolph with Holy Trinity (LEP)

Church of England Diocese: Chelmsford

Tagged with: Castle Norman architecture Local authority museum

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Description


1. CASTLE PARK
995 -----------
The Castle Keep
(including excavated remains
of forebuilding in moat)
TL 9925 SE 5/3 24.2.50.

I

2.
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 mediaeval military architecture. Demolition was begun in
1693, the height being reduced. Considerable restoration took place
in the mid C18 for Charles Grey. The dome over the great staircase was
added by James Deane in 1760. AM.


Listing NGR: TL9986425325

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