Colchester
Britain's oldest recorded town (Pliny 77 AD, coins 20 BC). First Roman capital until Boudica's destruction 61 AD. Oldest Roman walls in Britain. Military garrison since Romans. City status granted 2022.
Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town—the first named settlement in written history. Pliny the Elder mentioned Camulodunum in 77 AD; coins minted by Tasciovanus reference the Celtic name as early as 20-10 BC. Before London existed, Colchester was the Roman capital of Britain.
The Romans built comprehensively. The town walls, constructed between 61 and 80 AD, are the oldest Roman town walls in Britain by 150 years. The classical temple, two theatres (including Britain's largest), a chariot circus unique in Britain, and over 50 known mosaics served a population of 30,000. Colchester was also a major glass production centre.
Boudica destroyed it in 61 AD. The Iceni queen burned Camulodunum so thoroughly that a layer of burnt debris remains visible in archaeological excavations. London became the capital afterward; Colchester never regained primacy.
The military tradition continues. Colchester Garrison, home to 16th Air Assault Brigade, maintains a presence since the Roman era. The University of Essex, founded in 1961, provides education and research employment.
Colchester received city status in 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations—recognition delayed by two millennia.
The Colchester Rapid Transit System, the first bus rapid transit in Essex, was scheduled for completion in late 2024 but remained overdue as of October 2025.
By 2026, Colchester tests whether Britain's first city can function as a modern one.