Colchester

Colchester is the oldest and fastest growing market town of the country with a population of around 121859 according to 2011 census. The city derived its name from Roman settlement Colonia founded in the surrounding district. It is built on gravel hill discovered in the period of Middle Pleistocene and then reformed into a terrace by an ancient precursor. According to archaeological inventory survey, around 800 shards of pottery and worked flint have been detected in 1980 showing the stints of early stone, bronze and Iron Age. The Fenwick jewellery Hoard was also found in the city centre and awarded as one of the finest discovery of the England.

During the 13^th century, a large number of immigrants settled in the city suffered from most devastating pandemics of Black Death. The wealth of the city flourished as a result of woollen textile industry and fabric was also exported to the other parts of Europe also. The city was massively damaged by earthquake measured 4.7 on Richter scale in 1884.

The city follows two tier educational system. There are many secondary and comprehensive high schools in the city providing an excellent education to the students. For higher education, University Of Essex is also situated in the south of the Colchester, Wivenhoe Park. The city is also known for three famous children rhymes (Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). Currently, a large number of residential development projects are coming up in the city and the surrounding area.

Attractions

Significant landmarks in the city make the perfect destination for family holidays, and a short break is Colchester Castle, The Castle museum, Natural History Museum, Hollytrees Museum, Roman Walls Gosbecksgical Park, Archaeological Park, Jumbo water tower and Mercury Theatre. The city also has been part of Colonial princely states to fire Royal Salutes (21 gun salutes) for celebrating Royal occasions till 2009.