See how Dutch Quarter Colchester changed between the 1800s and 2023. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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In the late 16th century, Flemish Protestant refugees, known as the Dutch Weavers, settled in Colchester's Dutch Quarter, establishing a thriving textiles industry. They produced 'bay' cloth, a type of woollen fabric, and constructed distinctive red and green houses with white window frames, featuring large horizontal windows to maximise light for weaving. Over 60 of these historic homes still stand today. (en.wikipedia.org)
The area, including Maidenburgh Street, West Stockwell Street, and St Helen's Lane, was built over Roman foundations, with a Roman Theatre located beneath Maidenburgh Street and St Helen's Lane. (en.wikipedia.org) By the 14th century, Flemish weavers had begun settling in Colchester under invitation from Edward III to support the production of Colchester russets, a type of textile. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 1770s, a small Jewish community settled in the Dutch Quarter, with a synagogue operating until approximately 1795. (en.wikipedia.org) Today, the Dutch Quarter remains a quiet residential area, reflecting its rich history through its architecture and street names.
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