Coach Trip to Colchester Roman Circus and Ingatestone Hall.
September 17th 2025.
It was grey and rainy for our trip to the Colchester and Ingatestone but our day brightened when our enthusiastic guide, Diane Bignall, met our coach and welcomed us to the Colchester Roman Circus Visitor Centre. She gave us a short overview of the development of Roman Colchester from the arrival of the Romans in AD43, when Emperor Claudius visited for one day, until its demise in the 4th Century. We were impressed by the wall illustrations of the town and the life-size models of chariots and charioteers and the wonderful miniature models of Roman Colchester town and the Roman Circus.
The Roman Circus was discovered in 2004 during archaeological excavations in advance of major redevelopment of land formerly occupied by Colchester Garrison. The circus is the only one of its kind to have been found in Britain. The building was 450m long and could accommodate at least 8,000 spectators. The circus provided an arena where up to 8 horse-drawn chariots competed in races two and a half miles long, making 7 laps round the circus, reaching speeds of 45 mph. There were 4 main teams, recognised by their team colours white, red, blue and green. Charioteers were usually enslaved people. Chariot races were free and very popular like football today. Charioteers could become rich and famous. Our guide took us outside to where the starting gates and main entrance to the arena were located. She vividly brought Roman Colchester to life.
We then had a short drive to Ingatestone Hall where we had a tour of the Tudor house of Sir William Petre built in 1539. Fifteen generations later, the Petre family still live there today. It is built around a central courtyard with stepped gables and ornate chimney pots. The house was restored to its original Tudor layout in 20th Century by Lady Rasch, widow of the 16th Baron Petre. There were beautiful oak-panelled rooms and two priest holes. We finished the day with a visit to their attractive café for a welcome cup of tea and cake.
A very inspiring and educational trip.
Clare.
