EVERYONE knows Colchester has its faults.

Potholes, congestion and the age old issue of overdevelopment are just a few of the problems residents regularly point to in the town.

However, at the Gazette, we genuinely believe Colchester is an amazing place to live.

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town, or first city depending on who you ask, and you’ll struggle to find anywhere in Britain more steeped in history.

Although the town centre might have the odd empty shop or loose paving slab - there is so much to see and do for people of all ages.

Whether you’re planning a visit to the castle, the largest surviving Norman keep in Europe, or taking a stroll through Castle Park, in our eyes the most beautiful open space in the east, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

But which is the most beautiful street in Colchester town centre?

We chose five options and put the question out to our readers in a poll on our website.

First up we picked the High Street, with its mixture of historic buildings, including Colchester Town Hall, providing something to see in all directions.

Colchester High Street June

 

Trinity Street, the hub of Colchester’s independent shopping scene, was up next.

The pedestrianised section of the town centre is home to numerous historic buildings, including Holy Trinity Church - the only surviving Saxon building in the centre.

Maidenburgh Street is part of the residential Dutch Quarter, one of the oldest parts of the town.

The town centre in Colchester was, of course, built on a hill, for defensive reasons, and East Hill was fourth on the list. It is littered with historic buildings like St James’ Church.

Last but not least we chose East Street, which although suffering from a particularly bad pothole problem at the moment, remains one of the prettiest streets in the town.

The Mill Apartments building, just over the River Colne, is stunning, whilst the Old Siege House Restaurant and Rose and Crown hark back to the town’s Civil War history.

There was a clear winner in our poll, with Trinity Street securing 64 per cent of the vote, out of almost 300 respondents.

Maidenburgh Street came second with 11 per cent with both the High Street and East Street receiving nine per cent. East Hill received seven per cent of the votes.

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Readers shared their thoughts on the Gazette Facebook page and some were keen to shout about how amazing Colchester is.

Annette Page said: “We are a Roman town, we have a fantastic Norman castle, Holly Trees Museum, Dutch Quarter, plus several other visitor attractions tractions.

“There are some good shops and yes, tearooms, barbers and nail bars.

“Behind each door of every business is an owner desperately clinging on to their livelihood.

“Every business which remains, gives hope others will follow.”

Wistful posted on the website: “East Street probably has the best collection of historic buildings, which cannot always be appreciated because of the heavy traffic.

“Not only are there many attractive cottages, but the Siege House, the Rose and Crown and matching buildings opposite, Charlie Brown’s range of buildings with its exceptional 14th century arch.

“The spectacular former Marriages Mill and the delightful gothic former orphanage are all exceptional. It’s a pity the ornate lamp standards were removed from the bridge over the River Colne, by Essex County Council. Hopefully they can be restored.”