The Bull probably dates back to 1400, as borough records show that tithes in the form of 3 groats were paid to the Abbot in 1461;tithes were not usually paid until a building was at least 50 years old.

In the early reign of Henry Tudor, all chief citizens of Colchester gathered in the Bull with armed archers and pikeman ready to fight for their King, despite the fact that many Colchestarians were against the King.

In the 1660`s the tap room at The Bull was used by the Market Sergeant, who sat to receive his dues when foreign traders brought their fine silks from Lombardy.

The 1700`s proved to be very interesting years in the Bull`s history and in 1741 Parson Palgrave, ‘in holy indignation’ sought out the witches of Colchester, and actually found 2 in the cellar of the Bull. The women were burned and the ashes of their bodies cast out of the town.

In 1791, William Coke, the son of the landlord of the Bull, was accused and convicted of murder. He was transported for life to Botany Bay where he became a respected citizen and in 1832 he returned to a full pardon and probably called back at the Bull to visit old friends. During the period 1600 to 1850, the Bull was a very busy place, as the stage wagons called there. The speedier coaches arrived at the Red Lion but the more cumbersome stage wagons called at the Bull.

GHOSTS AT THE BULL…..and in Colchester

The Bull reportedly has 3 ghosts. Two witches are believed to be haunting the cellar which lies beneath the front bay window in the Bull. Now filled in, but in years gone by this was part of the under ground tunnel system that linked the inner walls that which to surround Colchester.

Upstairs in the East Wing there is another ghost which no one seems to know about….

If you wish to know more about the Ghosts of Colchester and The Bull why not go on The Colchester Ghost Tour , contact Derek Wray on 01206 852924 or by email