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Bank Passage, COLCHESTER, CO1 1HZ

The building is Grade II listed: "Fine early C19 neo-classical facade with projecting colonnade; built as a Corn Exchange in 1820. Originally 2 storeys with central pediment; a 3rd storey was added later. It is now of 3 storeys with central pediment and small open pediments at each end of the front". More info at http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-117031-essex-and-suffolk-fire-office-essex .

See Image These are a simplification of the official arms containing three castles and a cross - see http://www.colchester.gov.uk/article/1899/The-borough-arms .

Grade II Listed Bank built 1845 by Raphael Brandon (builder Henry Hammond Hayward), as a Corn Exchange, much of it reconstructed in 1925-6. Top centre of the façade was once an allegorical sculpture of Ceres "scattering round her the produce of an abundant harvest" that had to be removed. The two windows at each end were once alcoves with reliefs, possibly of Ceres, that were re-sited at a car park on nearby Balkerne Hill. In 1885 it became the premises of the newly founded Albert School of Science and Art, probably when the sculptures were removed. The government took management of the school in 1894 and made further changes. Developed into a technical institute it moved into new premises in 1912. The Colchester Repertory Company put on weekly productions here from 1937 after it was converted to an assembly room for concerts in 1925. This arrangement lasted until 1972.

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See Image For info about the coat of arms, see http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/east_anglia_essex.html .

Grade II* Corn Exchange and offices of 1820 by David Laing (builder Henry Hammond Hayward). Originally 2 storeys with central pediment the rear arcade was enclosed in late 19th century and remodelled with plate glass in 1966. A postcard posted in 1907 shows it with only two storeys. The colonnade is apparently iron probably manufactured by Joseph Wallis Jnr who established an ironfoundry on Winnock's Charity land (High Street?) in 1792. The clock was made by Joseph Banister (1778-1875). The single train was designed to run for eight days with a drop of only 10 feet for the weight. It has a deadbeat escapement. The first and second floors stood empty for many years but were converted to 6 apartments in 2009-10 with architects Stanley Bragg Partnership Ltd.

This is the Former Bunting (St Georges) Gymnasium in Culver St once the home of the 1st Colchester Scout Group. This group actually predates the Scout movement by about ten years as the Colchester St Georges Club was founded in the 1890’s. In 1908 the members voted to give up their independence and join the new Scouting Movement. William Bunting provided a bequest that set up the Gym in 1906 for the good of the young men of Colchester. There is a new bunting room still used by the 1st Colchester a few streets away. See the dedication plaque here Image

Dedication Plaque on the Image

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