olchester Castle is located on the exposed East coast of the country and was needed by William the Conqueror to defend against the invading Danes. At Colchester there were the remains of a large Roman camp and temple on which it was decided to build a new castle. Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester took control of the construction as well as the White Tower in London and building work may have started in 1080. After the threat of invasion had reduced, the castle passed into the hands of Eudo de Rie, who was held the title of high steward. Successive stewards were granted the control of the castle until 1215 when an invasion force from France captured the castle. The French handed the castle back after the death of King John in 1216.