Free Entry
Open daily with variable opening times
Address:
Priory Street, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EE
Founded about 1100, St Botolph's was one of the first Augustinian priories in England .
An impressive example of early Norman architecture, built in flint and reused Roman brick, the church displays massive circular pillars, round arches and an elaborate west front.
It was badly damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War siege of 1648.
Read more about the history of the priory.
Managed by Colchester City Council - visit their museum website for more ideas on exploring Colchester's fascinating history.
Before You Go
Parking: No parking on site but charged public parking, not managed by English Heritage, is available close by. The nearest is Britannia Car Park, off St Botolph's Circus, CO2 7EF.
How to Find It: The site can be accessed from Priory Street, St Botolph's Church Walk or Britannia Car Park.
Facilities: There are no facilities at the priory, but it is just on the edge of Colchester town centre and very close to Colchester Town railway station. There are toilets at the station.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Drone flying: English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions. Please see our drone filming guidelines for more details, or email our Filming team.
Plan a Great Day Out
Colchester is also home to the remains of another medieval religious house at St John's Abbey Gate, just a few minutes' walk away from St Botolph's Priory.
Also in Colchester are the Iron Age defences of pre-Roman Colchester at Lexden Earthworks and Bluebottle Grove.
Head towards the coast and visit Landguard Fort, a 45-minute drive from Colchester. This impressive safe haven defended the approach to Harwich Harbour, and was the site of the last opposed seaward invasion of England by the Dutch in 1667.