A tree has been planted in Colchester’s Castle Park to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

East Anglian Daily Times: From the EADT archives, Sir Bob Russell with his daughter Nicola planting a tree at Colchester Castle in May 1987.From the EADT archives, Sir Bob Russell with his daughter Nicola planting a tree at Colchester Castle in May 1987.

A local tale states that the mayor’s daughter planted a tree on top of the Castle in 1815 to commemorate the event, and in May 1987 it was replanted after having been moved while repairs took place to the historic building – by Nicola, aged six, the daughter of then mayor Sir Bob Russell.

Around ten years ago there were fears the tree was dying so former town MP Sir Bob grew a replacement just in case.

On Monday the spare was planted in the shadow of the mother tree by Nicola’s own daughter Jessica, seven.

Sir Bob, High Steward of Colchester, said: “The good news is that the original tree did not die, but it will one day.

“Colchester Castle without its tree would be like the Tower of London without its ravens.”