You have visited Heritage Open Days - Holy Trinity Church at Holy Trinity Church

Heritage Open Days - Holy Trinity Church at Holy Trinity Church

Built around 1000AD, the church tower is the oldest standing building in Colchester. Built by the Saxons three quarters of a century before the Norman castle was built, the tower features triangle arches, a small doorway and recycled Roman bricks. Later additions include the 14th century chancel and Victorian extensions.

An elaborate memorial to William Gilberd (1544 to 1603), Colcestrian, physician to Queen Elizabeth I and the first great European experimental scientist, is mounted on the North wall of the church.

The church closed in 1952, and was opened as a museum in 1974. The church is now run by GO4 Market Café and this weekend will host an eclectic mix of buskers whose music will reflect the many centuries Holy Trinity Church has been used.

Members of the Gilberd Society will be on hand to demonstrate and explain some of his experiments.

The tower is not accessible to climb, but visitors can look inside.