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Baye House B&B

We are just steps away from the High Street shops, restaurants and, Colchester Castle and its beautiful landscaped park grounds. Also close by are the museums and First Site Gallery as well as the Mercury Theatre, Arts Centre. We are only a short ride to Colchester Zoo, the general hospital, Essex University and the beautiful Constable Country.

Relaxed comfortable non smoking house with with help yourself breakfast and use of the guest kitchen, sitting room, garden, wifi and on-site parking.
Later a Georgian facade was added and at the turn of the century the rear extended to create a wash room and kitchen.

The Dutch Quarter was so called because of Flemish refugee families who settled here during the reign of Elizabeth I to escape religious persecution at home. Many were expert clothmakers who on arrival angered the local clothmakers but over time, thanks to their expertise Colchester became one of the countries leading clothmakers. The house took its name from one type of fine quality cloth made during this period, the bay.

Opposite the House is St Martins Church dates back from the 12th century. The tower which is Norman was damaged in the civil war siege of 1648 and was never rebuilt. The massive vaults have been uncovered and can be viewed today. The aisle, transepts and chancel are 14th century. It is now used as a centre for exhibitions music and theatre with Anne Von Bouen opening up the doors for the public to view. On the right day be lucky enough to enjoy Anne's homemade cakes and friend's bring and buy produce.

In the southeast corner of the churchyard is the grave of Jacob Ringer a baymaker (clothmaker) who died !680. He survived the siege in 1648 and had to pay a hefty fine imposed on the baymakers by Thomas Fairfax the parliamentarian general which ... the rights of the Magna Carta resided over the king