We introduce ourselves to you as the Colchester  Watch, proudly serving as the civic bodyguard to the Mayor of Colchester and providing support for charities and local historical events.

The Watch also turns out for major civic or social occasions, as well as for other events which promote Colchester, the Oldest Recorded Town in Britain and first Roman City.

We are unique in the United Kingdom, with the Lord Mayor of London the only other that has a civic bodyguard.

We based on the Elizabethan period circa 1595 (as depicted by our shield shown) and concentrates on the Colchester borough arms.

Our colors are a jacket in black or red and knee breeches in a green, woolen hose, leather shoes, back and breastplate armor in steel and brass, steel comb morion helmets. Swords, rapiers, daggers, and pouches are all optional.

For ease of duty, we use the polearm known as a partisan, although nine-foot pikes are also used on certain occasions.

The Watch is also available for hire for private or commercial functions; for weddings, charity events, guard of honour, and the annual Archery Fayre, to name a few.

We would love to make your day a little more special!

If you are interested in joining the Watch or just becoming a sponsor or a patron, please send us an email or ring us and we will send you the relevant forms.

Gentlemen, Ladies and families welcome, no experience necessary, but must have a good sense of humor, loyal to all, an interest in history and enjoy having fun.


Please contact us for more details about our activities.


Craig Sutton, Events Co-ordinator