THIS month marks the anniversary of one of the massive earthquake which hit Colchester more than 135 years ago.

Almost every building in Wivenhoe and Abberton, and some in other town and villages as far way as Ipswich, were struck by the earthquake on the morning of April 22 1884 at shortly after 9.15am.

It is thought to be the most destructive example of an earthquake to have hit Britain in at least the past 400 years, damaging around 1,250 buildings and rumoured to have killed three people.

A series of postcards, some of which feature here, which have now become collectible items, were produced in the aftermath.

With photography being in its infancy only a few would have been able to document such events which were then turned into postcards so people could mark the event.

Since the early 1900s postcards have been used by people from of all walks of life as a cheap and easy form of communication.

With the practice of sending them now dwindling due to modern technology it is still one of the few ways major historical incidents from that time can be visually recalled.

Despite being such a major event, there had been little in the town to recall the remarkable event until this was remedied last year with a plaque unveiled, appropriately, on the anniversary and masterminded by former Colchester and now High Steward MP Sir Bob Russell.

The plaque was installed at Lion Walk United Reformed Church, which lost its spire during the tremors.

It was later restored to its former Victorian glory and the plaque was officially revealed on the 135 anniversary last year.

While not considered among the most destructive in the world it is still thought to be the most serious in Britain in the past 4oo years.