Roman Theatre
Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UB
Visitors can see a small area of the foundations of the Roman theatre preserved inside a modern building. The theatre could seat 3000 spectators and it was constructed to the standard D-shaped plan, with the curve of the D to the south, forming the auditorium, and the straight part to the north, representing the stage. It may have been this theatre which featured in the destruction of Colchester by Boudica in AD 60. To the rear of the building is a recreated Roman garden with plants of the time. The theatre site was discovered in 1981 during excavations by the Colchester Archaeological Trust and is now in the care of Colchester City Council. The Roman theatre and garden were refurbished earlier this year and are now looking at their best.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 0945-1630
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1030-1630
Location & directions
Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UB
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
There is a single step to enter the building.
Additional information
Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on the same dates are Holy Trinity Church, 7 Queen Street, St Giles Masonic Centre, Grey Friars, The Minories, St James the Great Church and St John's Abbey Gatehouse. There are also guided walks on both 7th and 8th September which start in Colchester city centre.
