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| Red spot approx location of Colchester. |
"Colchester lies 51 miles from London, and has a population of 10,089. A large and populous borough and market town of great antiquity, it is chiefly built
on the southern declivity of a hill, rising from the banks of the River
Coln. Colchester is with great probability supposed to have been an ancient
British settlement before the invasion of this island by the Romans. Though
history may reject the story of King Cole, yet it is certain that this town
was one of the most important establishments of the Romans so long as they
continued masters of this country.
The streets are regular and well built throughout the principal part of
the town. There is a large and convenient market-place, where fairs are
held on Easter Tuesday for woollens, 5th of July for horses, 23rd of July
for cattle and horses, and 20th of October for cattle, horses, butter and
toys.
The River Coln is navigable for small craft to a place called the Hithe,
within three miles of the town, where there is a quay and a customs house.
The principal manufacture is of a kind of coarse woollens called beizes and
serges, said to have been introduced here in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
The trade is under the control of a Corporation of the Governers of the
Dutch Beize-Hall, whose officers have authority to examine the cloth
previous to its sale. Among the articles of produce for which Colchester has
been noted are candied eryingo roots and oysters, of which last, quantities
are sent to London and elsewhere."
[Cole and Roper "The British Atlas...", 1801]
"It is situated on a fine eminance near the Coln, which is navigable within
three miles of the town for ships of large burden, and for hoys and small
barks to a place called the Hythe, where is a quay close to the houses. Here
is a manufactury of baize and says; and it is noted for oysters called
natives. It has an ancient castle, and some other fine buildings both
ancient and modern. It is a principal station on the Eastern Counties
Railway. It is 51 miles from London. Markets, Wednesday and Saturday.
Population, 17,790."
[Barclays Complete & Universal English Dictionary, 1842-1852]
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