COLCHESTER, A Parliamen tary and municipal borough and river port of Essex, England, on the south bank of the Collie, 12 miles from the sea, and 51 miles northeast of London (Map: England, G 5). It is partly sur rounded by the remains of an old Roman wall. The most notable building is the castle erected in the reign of William Rufus, with walls from 10 to 30 feet thick. The Norman keep is said to be the largest in England. The ruins of Saint Botolph's Priory are an interesting bit of Nor man workmanship, and in the Holy Trinity Church Saxon features are found. The streets are well paved and lighted by electricity, sup plied by the town, which also owns the water supply. The town also maintains baths, rec reation grounds, and markets. Its educational institutions include the Albert School of Science and Art and a public library. Colchester derives a considerable revenue from the oyster fishery in the Colne. Its corn markets are important.
and its manufactures include boots and shoes. It has a quay for vessels of 150 tons at the suburb called Hythe. Population, in 1891, 34,600; in 1901, 38,400. Colchester is the Camulodununt of the British and Romans and the later Co/ne ceaster (Colne Castle) of the Saxons. Great quan tities of Roman remains have been found here. bushels of eoins of many emperors. vases, urns, lamps, pavements, and baths. The town was ravaged by the plague in 1348, 1360, and 1665. In the Civil War, Colchester held out for the King, but was captured by General Fairfax after a three months' siege. Old King Cole of merry mentors-, according to the legend, gave the town its modern name. Consult: Cutts, Colchester ( London. 1889) : Round, "Colchester During the Commonwealth," in English Historical Review, vol. xv. (London, 1900).