Why did the Normans choose to site a castle in Colchester?
The Norman baron, Eudo Dapifer, built Colchester Castle, 1075 – 1080, around the podium of the Roman Temple of Claudius, creating the largest Norman keep in Britain. A prominent feature is the outline of battlements at first floor level, which appear to have been added rather hastily during construction when threatened by an attack from the Danes. England was under threat from King Cnut II of Denmark. Building works were modified to cater for this threat, with a later addition in height being made. The invasion never came and the castle was finally completed around 1125.
