HISTORIANS are celebrating 900 years since a Colchester monument was finished.

St John’s Abbey Gate was founded in 1095 by William the Conqueror’s high steward, Eudo Dapier, and completed 20 years later.

Now all that remains of the building is the gatehouse, which was added in about 1400.

The building is now maintained by English Heritage.

Colchester Catholic Heritage runs events and carries out meticulous research on the building.

The heritage group’s spokesman Jennie Guthrie Stevens said she felt it was significant to get people from English heritage, Colchester Council together.

She added: “There was some damage done last year, so Abbey Gate is not just kept open any more, but people can come and it will be opened by appointment.

“We are also hoping to hold a couple more open days during the summer.”