LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S July issue highlights

What did the Romans ever do for us?

Reference to a classic sketch from the Monty Python team there, but for me personally the Romans sparked an interest in history.

It all started with a visit to the Jorvik Centre up in York, where I was fascinated with their conquest across the globe, gladiators, the many coins on show... you name it, I was hooked. That interest has never diminished over time, so you can imagine how excited I was when I first came across Colchester.

The city has so many connections to the Roman era – it was the site of the first Roman capital of Britain after all. They built a fortress and they called the new town Camulodunum, meaning “fort of Camulos” (the Celtic god of war). That past remains important today, and this month we feature the Colchester Roman Festival alongside a very special focus on the city as it also marks 375 years since the Siege of Colchester. History buffs rejoice.

Not interested in the past? We also pick out our top ten destinations for all the family, so I am sure there's something that will tick all the boxes. Enjoy!