Book blurb

Colchester’s Arts Centre is one of this towns popular entertainment venues, which occupies the former church of St. Marty’s at the Walls. Follow my journey of discovery into the rise and decline of this former church, as I uncover the unique story of its survival through 700 years of history.

Discover the church’s social history through wars and plague. Read how the parishioners twice financed the rebuilding of the church and the determination of her rectors to provide an education for its children. Learn how this church witnessed executions, survived earthquakes and was eventually destroyed by cannon fire during the Siege of Colchester in 1648.

Finally, I’ll show how urban modernization increased the parish population, resulting in the need to construct a new church called Christ Church and how a new road system affected the church, bringing about its closure. Along the way, I’ll uncover some interesting stories and connections relating to the history of Colchester.