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Colchester's Christian Heritage

Claire McCollum visits the historical and religious sites of Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town since its foundation during the Roman occupation over 2,000 years ago.

Claire McCollum visits the historical and religious sites of Colchester, widely considered to be Britain’s oldest town since its foundation during the Roman occupation over 2,000 years ago.

Gaining city status in 2022, Claire takes a tour of Colchester with former mayor Sir Bob Russell and discovers one of the first Augustinian priories in England, its Norman castle, Roman ruins and even the story of a Christian hymn writer, who has gone down in history as the composer of one of the most popular children’s nursery rhymes.

Claire also visits the Colchester Garrison, a British army base since the Napoleonic Wars and hears about the role army chaplains play in the spiritual and pastoral wellbeing of soldiers.

Further afield, Laura Wright visits the Fellowship Afloat Christian Trust (Fact) and finds out how, using outdoor activities, they provide a space to reach young people who might not come into contact with traditional church life.

And we meet a Christian blogger to hear why he swapped a life in London for one in Colchester after treatment for leukaemia, and how he has gone on to establish a website offering cancer patients advice on dealing with suffering through hope and compassion.

34 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Claire McCollum
Series Editor Matthew Napier
Producer Matt McCann
Executive Producer Emyr Afan
Executive Producer Cat Lewis
Production Company Avanti Media

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