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St Botolph's Priory

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The remains of the first Augustinian monastery in Britain, located in the heart of modern Colchester. The priory was founded around the year 1100, and represents an excellent example of early Norman architecture.

Most of the buildings are construicted of flint, and incorporate reused Roman bricks. The remains of the priory church are most impressive, with large round columns and the rounded arches so characteristic of the Norman Romanesque period. The west front of the church is especially notable for its ornamentation.

The priory was founded beside the southern gateway through Colchester's old town walls. The original dedication was to St Julian and St Botolph. The priory was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, but further destruction was inflicted during the 1648 siege of Colchester during the Civil War. You can still see the damage caused by cannon fire during the siege.
Colchester, Essex, England

About St Botolph's Priory
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: Off Queen Street, just north of the A134. Open access site.
Website: St Botolph's Priory
English Heritage
Location map
OS TL998250
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions St John's Abbey Gate - 0.2 miles (Historic Property) Colchester Castle Museum - 0.2 miles (Castle) Bourne Mill - 0.9 miles (Historic Property) Lexden Earthworks and Bluebottle Grove - 1.5 miles (Prehistoric) Layer Marney Tower - 6.3 miles (Historic Property) Flatford Bridge Cottage - 7 miles (Historic Property) Mistley Towers - 8.4 miles (Historic Property) Coggeshall Grange Barn - 9.4 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Lavenham - 15.8 miles away Aldeburgh - 34.9 miles away Diss - 35.4 miles away Whitstable - 36.8 miles away Thetford - 37.1 miles away Gillingham - 37.7 miles away Rochester - 38.5 miles away Chatham - 38.7 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to St Botolph's Priory

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Plover - 3.9 miles from St Botolph's Priory Elmstead, Essex Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £290

Swallow - 3.9 miles from St Botolph's Priory Elmstead, Essex Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £290

Pheasant - 3.9 miles from St Botolph's Priory Elmstead, Essex Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £340

More Self Catering near St Botolph's Priory

Nearest Hotels

The Red Lion Hotel - 0.1 miles from St Botolph's Priory Colchester, Essex Stay from: £45.00

George Hotel - 0.1 miles from St Botolph's Priory Colchester, Essex Stay from: £50.00

Riverside Hotel - 0.5 miles from St Botolph's Priory Colchester, Essex Stay from: £55.00

More Hotels near St Botolph's Priory

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Polstead Lodge - 7.7 miles from St Botolph's Priory Polstead, Essex From: £75.00

Polstead Lodge - 7.8 miles from St Botolph's Priory Polstead, Essex From: £40.00

LeVere House - 12.5 miles from St Botolph's Priory Clacton-on-Sea, Essex From: £40.00

More bed and breakfasts near St Botolph's Priory

Colchester
Visitor Information Centre
1 Queen Street
Colchester
Essex
England
CO1 2PG
Tel: 01206 282 920
Alternate Tel: 01206 282 828
Fax: 01206 282 924
Email: vic@colchester.gov.uk
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