Holy Trinity Church Colchester

UK Churches: Holy Trinity Church, Colchester, Essex

Jake Davies

Colchester prides itself on being the oldest city in England by virtue of it having been noted in Roman records before the Roman conquest.

Famously sacked by Queen Boudicca, there are plenty of Roman remains around the town, notably the Norman period Colchester Castle is built upon the ruins of a Roman temple.

History

The oldest building still remaining in the town though is the little known Holy Trinity Church. Which also makes it the oldest standing church in Colchester.

The square Saxon tower is believed to have been built in 1020, though there was probably a church on the site before that. Noticeable in the walls are the Roman bricks interspersed in the stones, an early example of recycling!

Also worth noting is a small doorway in the tower that has a triangular arch above it. This was typical Saxon design for windows, but unusual for doorways. Sections of the main building date back to Saxon times but much is 14th and 15th century. The church was renovated in the late 19th century.

The churchyard contains the grave of William Gilbert (1544-1603), Queen Elizabeth I's physician in the later stages of her reign, who was born in Colchester. He is known for his book De Magnete (1600) on magnetism and static electricity.

The church has been deconsecrated and is sometimes used as a youth centre and art centre.

Access

Holy Trinity Church
4-11 Trinity Street
Colchester CO1 1JN

The church is within easy walking distance of Colchester Town Station, Colchester Castle and Firstsite. Another historic church in Colchester is the ruined St. Botolph's Priory.

Greater Anglia have regular trains to Colchester direct from Liverpool Street Station in London to Colchester. Journey times for the fastest trains is around 45 minutes.

National Express has frequent coach services from Stansted Airport to Colchester bus station and the University of Essex (Colchester).

By car from London follow the M25 motorway and then the A12.