A new interpretation board has been unveiled near the site of a crucial episode in the history of Colchester.
The board illustrates the 1648 Battle of Headgate – at the start of the English Civil War siege on the town.
Created by artist Roger Massey Ryan and commissioned by the Friends of Colchester Roman Wall, it depicts the events of June 13, 1648, when Parliamentarian forces tried breaking in through the Head Gate but were repulsed by Royalists.
Unveiled in Sir Isaac’s Walk by MP Will Quince, it was sponsored by Ellisons solicitors – based in a building used to hold prisoners of war in the battle – during which a white flag flew to the warn besieging forces not to attack. Ellisons sponsored the board to mark the firm’s 250th anniversary.
As the eighth Roman Wall board installed by the Friends was unveiled, chairman and former mayor Henry Spyvee called it a great way to honour one of the town’s most important episodes.
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