The majestic Colchester ruins hidden in plain sight among Essex's best kept secret that's well worth a visit

Essex is well known as having a rich history with plenty of heritage sites to visit across our significant county. With the likes of Colchester Castle, Audley End House, and Mountfitchet Castle nearby, we could easily forget some of the majestic sites that are some of Essex’s best kept secrets.

And St Botolph’s Priory is one such place. The very first of its kind, St Botolph’s, which is based in Colchester, was founded somewhere between 1093 and 1100, and took several decades to build.

You can get a real flavour of the checkerboard of history in Essex as the priory pairs Norman architecture with Roman brick, taken from ruins nearby. Cared for by English Heritage, their website shares that: “The church was built of flint rubble with arches and dressings in brick – the latter mostly reused from Roman buildings at nearby Colchester.

READ MORE: Colchester named one of the best locations for a city break - even better than Paris and New York

READ MORE: Incredible summer walk that takes you through Roman ruins to one of Essex's best pubs

"Though simple in design the massive piers and arches of the nave are stunning in effect.” Now, the priory stands in ruins after being at the centre of a dramatic battle during the English Civil War.

Caught between two opposing sides in the war, the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, St Botolph’s Priory was destroyed by cannon fire, and was never returned to its former glory. Whether it's part of a wider walk around Colchester's’ rich history, or a stand-alone trip, St Botolph’s pure beauty is definitely worth checking out.

What’s the best free family attraction in Essex? - 9304269