Places to visit in Essex

Hadleigh Castle

• Hadleigh Castle,
• 3/4 mile S of A13 at Hadleigh,
• Essex.
• Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Standing on the brow of a steep hill, commanding a fine prospect over the Thames estuary into Kent is the ruins of Hadleigh Castle.

Hadleigh, the Castle 1891, Essex
Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection.

The castle was built in the reign of Henry III., by Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent. The castle was confiscated by the King and remained with the monarchy. There were later additions by Edward III in 1360-70. It was sold in 1551 and its stone was used for building materials. The only parts now standing are two towers at the south-east and north-east angles and part of the curtain walls. Cockle shells which were used in the mortar can still be seen.

A more detailed account of its construction appears on the English Heritage, Images of England page.

Below the castle is the Hadleigh Castle country park

Hadleigh Castle
print published 1834