Temple of Claudius in Colchester

The Temple of Claudius is a Roman temple site in Colchester whose massive stone foundations and classical architectural elements remain beneath the Norman castle. The remains are visible today in the castle's vaults, displaying the original structural layout of the building.

The site was built around 54 CE after Emperor Claudius conquered Britain and served as the largest Roman religious structure in the country. Following its destruction, this location became a turning point in the military history of Roman Britain.

The temple brought Romans and local people together for ceremonies honoring Emperor Claudius, reflecting how imperial power shaped daily worship in the settlement. These shared religious practices helped blend the occupying culture with existing traditions.

The remains are accessible in the vaults of Colchester Castle and can be explored during a castle visit. Wear appropriate footwear as the underground areas can be uneven, and allow extra time to examine the foundations carefully.

A distinctive feature is the 120-meter colonnade discovered during archaeological work, representing the longest structure of its kind found in Britain. This monumental row of columns demonstrates the exceptional building scale of the Roman complex.