It’s been at the centre of the community for nearly 1,000 years, and Colchester Castle and its wonderful park still plays a vital role in the town’s life and economy.

East Anglian Daily Times: Morris ring meeting at Castle Park Colchester from July 1977 Picture: ARCHANTMorris ring meeting at Castle Park Colchester from July 1977 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Built on the foundations of Britain’s largest Roman temple – which can still be visited via tours – destroyed by the Iceni led by Boudica, the castle stands just off the town centre and is a major tourist attraction.

As our gallery shows here, it plays an educational and cultural role via activities at the museum along with its displays and record of the town’s Roman history to the present day, while the grounds are used for a wide variety of activities.

Cricket is played at the castle grounds, and the park has been used for music concerts, fun days, and historical re-enactments and other occasions many times over the years.

To share your memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk or write to Judy Rimmer, Newsroom, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1RS.

East Anglian Daily Times: Youngsters enjot the Essex Fun Day at Castle Park Colchester in August 1984 Picture: ARCHANTYoungsters enjot the Essex Fun Day at Castle Park Colchester in August 1984 Picture: ARCHANT

To order copies of photos, visit archantsuffolk.newsprints.co.uk, or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Band of the Dragoon Guards performing at the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Colchester Castle in 2004 Picture: JOHN KERRThe Band of the Dragoon Guards performing at the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Colchester Castle in 2004 Picture: JOHN KERR

East Anglian Daily Times: A sea of faces enjoying the entertainment at the Colchester Castle Park fun day. in 1984 Picture: ARCHANTA sea of faces enjoying the entertainment at the Colchester Castle Park fun day. in 1984 Picture: ARCHANT

East Anglian Daily Times: One of the many bands competeing in the Scottish day held in Colchester Castle park. Picture: CLIFFORD HICKSOne of the many bands competeing in the Scottish day held in Colchester Castle park. Picture: CLIFFORD HICKS

East Anglian Daily Times: Youngsters showing off new hats to be displayed at Colchester Castle in 2002 Picture: CLIFFORD HICKSYoungsters showing off new hats to be displayed at Colchester Castle in 2002 Picture: CLIFFORD HICKS

East Anglian Daily Times: Renegades wild west display team taking part in the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebration fun day at Castle Park in Colchester in 2002 Picture::NICK STRUGNELLRenegades wild west display team taking part in the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebration fun day at Castle Park in Colchester in 2002 Picture::NICK STRUGNELL

East Anglian Daily Times: Action from Colchester and East Essex Premier League. match betwen olchester and Saffron Walden at Colchester Castle Park in 2002 Picture: NICK STRUGNELLAction from Colchester and East Essex Premier League. match betwen olchester and Saffron Walden at Colchester Castle Park in 2002 Picture: NICK STRUGNELL

East Anglian Daily Times: Work taking place on a Roman mosaic at Colchester Castle Museum in 2002 Picture: NICK STRUGNELLWork taking place on a Roman mosaic at Colchester Castle Museum in 2002 Picture: NICK STRUGNELL

East Anglian Daily Times: 'Boudica' giving a talk at Colchester Castle in 2004 and showing the children how to give a war cry Picture: JAMES FLETCHER'Boudica' giving a talk at Colchester Castle in 2004 and showing the children how to give a war cry Picture: JAMES FLETCHER

East Anglian Daily Times: An army parachutist comes in for a perfect landing before the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Colchester Castle in 2004 Picture: JOHN KERRAn army parachutist comes in for a perfect landing before the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Colchester Castle in 2004 Picture: JOHN KERR