The Town Hall was opened in 1902 and designed by John Belcher in the Edwardian Baroque style. It is the third municipal building to stand on this site in the heart of the City, in the High Street. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of stained glass, paintings, and clocks that reflect the city’s rich past. Below you can read about the current building. Groups can visit the Town Hall on a free guided tour by filling in the linked form below.
Colchester Town Hall Tour Request Form
The Town Hall is home to some of the fine examples of silver gilt and civic gifts and donations. Of special interest is a silver model of a sixteen century warship, designed for use as a vessel for table wine.
The oldest item of insignia is the silver borough seal, which dates from about 1413. A replica is now used for embossing the Mayors stationery.
Colchester has one of the largest maces in the country, this is used at many civic functions and Council meetings, it is a symbol of authority from the sovereign.
There are many portraits and paintings of famous Colcestrians in the ornately decorated rooms of the Town Hall, the portrait of the Queen Elizabeth II, by artist Richard Stone has pride of place in the Moot Hall. One of the most important paintings in the borough's collection is "A Flemish Merrymaking" by David Vinckeboons, which is located in the Grand Jury Room.
Within the Town Hall are some stunning stain glass windows, some of the best of which are located in the Council Chamber. These depict the Roman Emperor Claudius, St Helena, Colchester Patron Saint and the Weavers' Memorial window.