Colchester Hoard

We were fortunate that the Just Stop Oil protesters announced that they had stopped their actions on the M25 today. At least we could get to Waltham Abbey.

There were some glitches on the way, the M20 was shut between J3 and the M25 and the alternative route had roadworks. Then on Essex we were slowed right down by a police car while some alleged debris was removed from the carriageway.

After a quick lunch we were on our way to Colchester to visit the castle. What a fabulous place it is, telling the story of Colchester from the Iron Age to the post medieval period. The archeological finds were spectacular, the jewellery, coins, vessels were mesmerising.

Today’s blip is part of the Colchester hoard of Roman coins found in a lead canister. There are 445 coins on display, representing just 3% of the total hoard of nearly 15,000. Investigations are continuing as to the origin of this hoard.

The castle is a fascinating building too, Norman of course but apparently built on the foundations of a massive temple. We thought there would be more information than there was about the castle. The prison area was suitably oppressive.

I’m fascinated by pre history. As a result of our visit to St Ives, Ely and Wicken Fen I’m reading a book on the Fens by Francis Pryor (of Time Team fame amongst other achievements) which shed light on the lives of ordinary people and showed how prosperous the Fens were throughout pre history and beyond.