Heritage Open Day: A guided tour exploring the places and people associated with Roman Colchester. Colchester was the first city in Britain, founded by the Romans in AD 49. For several centuries the Temple of Claudius in the heart of the city was the centre of the imperial state religion. Destroyed by fire during the Boudican Revolt in AD 60, Colchester returned to prosperity before a long decline, culminating in its abandonment after AD 410 when the Roman government of Britain collapsed.