(Above) Residents have fought an imaginative campaign to save the Roman site in Colchester from development. © romancircus.org
A last-gasp battle to save the site of the only known Roman chariot racing track found in the UK from being sold to developers has won vital backing.
Campaigners need to raise the final £200,000 by the end of February to buy the former Sergeants' Mess at the starting gates of Colchester Roman Circus in an overall deal costing £750,000.
On Saturday a consortium, led by Destination Colchester and the Colchester Archaeological Trust, revealed Colchester Borough Council had agreed to provide the remaining £30,000 if their public appeal raised £170,000.
Colchester Borough Council has announced £30,000 in potential match funding for the cause. © romancircus.org
The announcement has sparked widespread media coverage for the project, including a visit from BBC 1's primetime The One Show and in-depth features in The Independent and the Guardian.
"We’ve always believed that the Circus is a site of national and international significance," said Howard Lake, of the Save Colchester's Roman Circus group.
"We’re really pleased that our efforts to secure national media coverage have now proved successful."
The group has until the end of February to buy the land. © romancircus.org
Their camera-wielding guests from the Beeb interviewed Philip Crummy, Director of appeal organisers the Colchester Archaeological Trust, and filmed the leafy historic spot for a chunk of potentially lucrative publicity due for broadcast on February 10.
"Sometimes you just have to stop and think what an amazing find the Roman Circus is," he added.
"Here, in the middle of Colchester, are the remains of the UK's only known Roman Circus. If that doesn’t stir you, then watch the chariot race scene from Ben Hur."
An accompanying ad campaign urged locals to support their heritage. © romancircus.org
A cluster of celebrities have also given their backing to the bid, including best-selling author Caroline Lawrence, Time Team presenter Tony Robinson, broadcaster Peter Snow and outspoken former cabinet minister Tony Benn.
Lawrence will give an illustrated talk on the Circus at the town's Arts Centre during half-term week in support of resurrecting the course.
"It is one aspect of Roman life we simply cannot replicate," she argued. "Gladiatorial combats, a day at a Roman bath house and a Roman banquet all have modern equivalents, but not a day at the races."
The project will create public education and recreation facilities if the funds are raised. © romancircus.org
The quarter-of-a-mile long building was discovered during archaeological investigations for landowners Taylor Wimpey in 2004. Boasting a capacity of 15,000 people, the nearest example of its kind is thought to be in Southern France.
English Heritage designated the entire footprint of the site as a scheduled ancient monument, although the Borough Council's application for a £950,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant for the plans was turned down in April 2009.
Free public facilities will be built at the site if the bid succeeds, creating displays, a café and gardens.
The team have designated February 2010 as Love Roman Colchester month, featuring a range of events including a talk by TV presenter Don Cruickshank, a Roman Treasure Trail in the town centre and activities for families.
Library displays, advertising campaigns, a jazz night and a Roman Feast culinary event were successfully held by the group in January.
A Facebook page set up in support of the campaign has gained almost 2,000 followers.
Visit the donation page online to help the cause.
Dan Cruickshank appears at The Sun Inn in Dedham on February 16 at 1pm (£50, includes three-course lunch, wine and refreshments) and gives a lecture at the Mayor's Parlour at Colchester Town Hall (£12). Email Terry Francis or call 01206 577895 to book for either event.
Caroline Lawrence appears at Colchester Arts Centre on February 19 at 2pm. Suitable for over-7s, tickets £6, book online or call 01206 500900.
Secret Circus Treasure Trail for families takes place on February 20, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm (drop-in sessions, approximately 45 minutes). Suitable for over-5s, wear outdoor clothing, email info@firstsite.uk.net or call 01206 577067 to book.
See the Save Colchester's Roman Circus Facebook page for more details.
