Colchester Town Hall
High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1FR
This exciting Edwardian Baroque design by the prominent London architect John Belcher (1841-1913) was constructed between 1897-1902. The building was described by the architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as 'a triumphant expression of Colchester's civic pride, the embodiment of the borough's history and tradition'. The clock tower, built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and named the Victoria Tower, is surmounted by a bronze figure of St Helena, 162 ft (50 metres) above the street. Around the building at third-floor level are six statues of historical figures associated with Colchester by local stonemason L J Watts: Eudo Dapifer, Thomas Lord Audley, William Gilberd, Archbishop Samuel Harsnett, King Edward the Elder and Boudica.
Inside is an imposing staircase with seated statue of Queen Victoria, the mayoral suite and the Council Chamber. On display are the civic regalia and portraits of distinguished Colcestrians.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- Tours at 1000 & 1100
Location & directions
High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1FR
- Contact on day:
- Hall Keeper
- Telephone number:
- +441206506905
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The tour includes several staircases.
Additional information
Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on the same day are St John's Green Primary School, Roman Circus Centre, Colchester Castle, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Queen Street, Holytrees Museum and Colchester High School.
