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Photo: Steve Hancocks, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ruined 1200s castle, refortified by Edward III in the Hundred Years War, affording marsh views.
Hadleigh Castle is a ruined fortification in the English county of Essex, overlooking the Thames Estuary from south of the town of Hadleigh. Built after 1215 during the reign of Henry III by Hubert de Burgh, the castle was surrounded by parkland and had an important economic and defensive role. The castle was significantly expanded and remodelled by Edward III, who turned it into a grander property, designed to defend against a potential French attack, as well as to provide the King with a convenient private residence close to London. Built on a soft hill of London clay, the castle has often been subject to subsidence; this, combined with the sale of its stonework in the 16th century, has led to it now being ruined. The remains are now preserved by English Heritage and protected under UK law as a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.
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See the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike course that was designed to test the best athletes in the world. Over 18 km of trail to suit all abilities and ages. Strongly recommended to reserve your hire bike a minimum of 24 hours ahead to avoid disappointment.
The Woodland Centre provides a space for schools, groups and families to learn about south Essex’s fantastic ancient woodlands in an interactive way.
Outdoor space for annual community events.
The oldest part of the church is the circa 14th-century North Aisle which resembles the inverted hull of a ship and is thought to have been constructed by the old boat builders of medieval Leigh.