Dame Mary Beard Declares Colchester’s Roman Circus “Absolutely Amazing” as Local MP Pam Cox Issues Rallying Call to Protect Britain’s Only Roman Chariot Track
- Pam Cox MP
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
TV historian and Britain’s most celebrated expert on the Roman World, Dame Mary Beard, has called Colchester’s Roman Circus “absolutely amazing”.
On a visit to the historic site this week, she said she was surprised to discover that the circus was so big:
“It’s vast. There's nothing like this for hundreds of miles. This is the only Circus that we've found in Britain. People ought to come here and it’s a good place to get a sense of Roman Britain… and pretending to be a chariot racer. I love it!”
During the visit, which was arranged by local MP Pam Cox and the Colchester Archaeological Trust, Dame Mary toured the Roman Circus Visitor Centre and saw its model of Roman-era Colchester.
Speaking afterwards, Dame Mary said,
“It’s a great place to get a sense of Roman Britain, it helps give you a better idea of what the Roman town in Colchester was actually like”.
Dame Mary’s visit came just weeks before a critical planning appeal that could affect the future of the Roman Circus site. History came alive as Dame Mary was accompanied by a guard of Roman legionaries, members of the Colchester Roman Society, on a tour of the remains of the circus, including the reconstructed bases of the original starting gates.
Adam Wightman, Director of Colchester Archaeological Trust, said “Her visit was a strong endorsement of the circus – both as an extraordinary archaeological site and as a place where Colcestrians and visitors alike can connect with the city’s rich heritage.”
Pam Cox, Colchester’s MP, who has been a vocal advocate for the site, said,
“We have something here that no other place in Britain has—a Roman Circus, right beneath our feet. It’s not just a local treasure; it’s a national asset. And we must fight to protect it.”
“Dame Mary’s passion for the past reminds us that heritage isn’t just about stones in the ground—it’s about stories, identity, and pride. We owe it to future generations to make the most of this site and unlock its full potential.
The visit was followed by a packed Q&A at Firstsite, where Dame Mary joined Pam Cox MP to discuss Colchester’s rich Roman history and its place in the Roman Empire.
Councillor Lee Scordis, Colchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Culture & Heritage, also joined the event. He said, “It was fantastic to have Mary Beard visit. It shows how significant the site is when it comes to rediscovering our past.”
The visit comes ahead of a planning appeal concerning the ABRO development site, which overlaps part of the original Circus. Campaigners are urging planners to consider the site’s unparalleled historical value and to ensure any development respects its archaeological integrity.
The public inquiry into the ABRO site redevelopment will open on 8 July 2025 at Colchester Town Hall and resume on 16 July 2025. The appeal is being heard under reference APP/A1530/W/25/3363144. https://www.colchester.gov.uk/abro-development-site/
The event marks a turning point in the campaign to raise the profile of the Roman Circus and secure its future as a centrepiece of Colchester’s Roman heritage.
