Take a look at Colchester Town Hall’s ornate exterior and then enter the impressive building to see beautifully decorated rooms. There’s the council chambers with ceiling paintings and stained-glass windows, as well as the first library in Colchester. The Moot Hall is home to a large organ still used today.
There has been a town hall on this spot ever since 1160, although the building that you see today was built between 1898 and 1902. It is a fine example of Baroque architecture and makes for an impressive sight as you pass through Colchester’s town centre. The building is still in use as a place for council meetings, as well as for events such as weddings and graduations.
Look up as you approach the building to spot the statue of St. Helena at the top of the 162-foot (49-metre) tower. Helena is the patron saint of Colchester and four ravens, which symbolise the town’s former docks, flank her. Examine the facade and you will notice several other statues of figures that have played an important role in Colchester’s past. Among them you will see King Edward, who rid the town of Danish invaders, and William Gilberd, a Colchester scientist who discovered electromagnetics.
Make your way inside and the first thing you will see is the war memorial in the lobby. This gilded cabinet lists all the Colchester soldiers who died in the two world wars. Step into the council chambers to see where Colchester’s town meetings take place. As well as the fine wooden chairs you will see a stained-glass window depicting Colchester in Roman times. Look up and you will see the painting on the ceiling with 12 ladies, each representing a different month of the year.
Pay a visit to the Old Library, which was the first public library in Colchester. It is now an eating area for council employees. Make your way to the Moot Hall where you will see an organ, which has been in use for over a century.
The Colchester Town Hall is free to enter. It is closed on weekends and when there are events and council meetings. The hall is located on High Street in central Colchester. There is pay-and-display parking nearby.
