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.
The Moot Hall will be open to visitors after its recent closure for repairs to its ceiling. On show will be part of the City's art collection, including the internationally famous portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Richard Stone which was used by the BBC as part of its coverage of the Queen's death in 2022.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 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
After the second guided tour at 1200 there will be a further event 'Meet and Play the Moot Hall Organ' in the Town Hall. Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on the same day are the Quaker Meeting House, St Helen's Chapel, St Martin's Church , Roman Theatre (Maidenburgh Street), and 7 Queen Street (The Brewhouse).
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
