the capital of the county of Essex in England. It is by some thought to be the place mentioned by Antoninus under the name of Colonia, different from Colonia Camalodunum, and by the Saxons called Caer Colin. It is a beautiful, populous, and pleasant town, extended on the brow of a hill from east to west, and adorned with 10 churches. It had formerly strong walls and a castle, but now there are scarce any remains of either. This place is said to have given birth to Fl. Julia Helena, mother to Constantine the Great, and daughter to king Coelus, so much celebrated for her piety and zeal in propagating the Christian religion. Here, and in the neighbouring towns, is a great manufacture of bays and sails. It is also famous for its oysters; in pickling and barrelling which, the inhabitants excel. The rendering navigable the river Coln, on which the town stands, has greatly promoted its trade and manufactures. The town had formerly an abbey whose abbot was mitred and sat in parliament. In the time of the civil wars it was besieged by the parliament's troops and reduced by famine. It was formerly a corporation, but lately lost its charter for some misdemeanor; however, it still sends two members to parliament. E. Long. 1. 2. N. Lat. 51. 55.