Colchester granted city status by Queen just three days before death

In one of her last acts as Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II signed the letters patent – an official document written on parchment – bestowing the historic title on Colchester.

Colchester officially became the UK’s 76th city on Wednesday, when the document was presented to mayor Tim Young at Colchester Town Hall.

A procession, which included refugees welcomed into Colchester’s community, wound its way from the city’s Mercury Theatre to the Town Hall at around 5.30pm.

The letters patent was presented by Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, who spoke of the “special character and history” of Colchester.

She said the time has come for Colchester to be recognised as a "modern, vibrant, and multi-faceted city”.

Landmark - the procession makes its way to Colchester Town Hall, led by dignitaries (Image: Newsquest)

Mayor Tim Young told a meeting of Colchester Council: "It isn't perfect, we know that, but we are still a shining beacon in Essex and the east of England.

"Colchester is a city of sanctuary and diversity.

“We welcome people from wherever they come from, especially if they are seeking solace or refuge. We are proud to have that reputation.

“We praise the work of Refugee Action Colchester for their magnificent and heroic work. We thank them for being part of today's celebration."

David King, Colchester Council’s leader, told the meeting: “We are in difficult times, but we need to hold close to the fact that it is our strength, the unity of purpose in this chamber and beyond that we make the best of these challenges and find the way together.

“In what we have ahead of us, we will have opportunities to promote ourselves."

The momentous occasion was met with disappointment by some Gazette readers, with many voicing their preference for the title of ‘town’.

• READ MORE: Colchester's city status to be confirmed at Town Hall

Nick Gunn said: “It has now worked its way up to city status because of total over population and gridlock traffic system – welcome to city life.”

Shaun Cain, who said he has lived in Colchester “all his life”, added: “As long as I'm alive I will stay here.

“To me, Colchester is a town and will in my mind always be so.

“If I don't like it being a city, it doesn't mean I have to uproot, I just have to accept it.

I was always under the impression a city, however big or small, had a cathedral.”

Darren Meeks added: “It would be interesting to know what percentage of the people who live here would have voted in favour, had they had the opportunity.”

Many were quick to offer a response to the naysayers, with Miles Caines commenting: “People who are slating Colchester, do you visit other towns and cities much?

“Well done, it’s great to be seeing the city centre so busy at the weekends – some lovely shops and history.”

Terry Cooper said he enjoyed watching the procession through Colchester ahead of the ceremony, but confessed “it was a little chilly”.

Johan West said: “There are plenty of cities up and down the country that are the same size or smaller then Colchester.

“Colchester is a major garrison town, the fastest growing town in the country with huge historical significance.

“An internationally renowned university, it was the Roman capital of England.

“It deserves to be a city.”