Hadleigh Castle

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Hadleigh Castle

Hadleigh castle's history began in about 1215 when constructed by Hubert de Burgh, but its most important time was to come later when extensively refortified during the Hundred Years War, becoming a strategic defence overlooking the Thames estuary.

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Visit Date June2022

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In 1215 King John bestowed many gifts to his chief minister Hubert de Burgh and the Manor of Hadleigh was just one of them.

Herbert was a loyal follower of King John and was to repay some of the king's kindness when he proved himself as a fine military man when he lead the successful defence of Dover castle during a fierce attempted siege in 1216.

During the young Henry III's childhood, Hubert was a very important influence on the young king and during this time he built this large turreted castle on the Manor of Hadleigh as a statement of his power. 

However the young king brought up by priests became devoted to church, art and learning, subsequently after quarrels with the king, Herbert's career and influence waned and he was forced to return his lands, including Hadleigh in 1239.

The castle remained in royal hands for many years however, it was not until almost 100 years later in the time of Edward II, that the castle was to be used as a royal residence.

By the time Edward II son became King Edward III the castle was to become important in the defence of England. Edward III tried to claim the French throne which led to war with France. He immediately realised the importance of the castle as it was ideally situated as a base for defending the Thames estuary against French raids during the Hundred Years War.

The barbican and two striking drum towers – one later used by Georgian revenue men looking out for smugglers – are part of Edward's substantial building works during the 1360s.

Unfortunately for the history of the castle Edward III's subsequent successors took little interest in the castle as a residence and the importance of the castle began to recede. This resulted in the castle being leased to a succession of tenants.

The demise of the castle proper came about when it was eventually sold to Lord Riche in 1551, Riche had even less interest in the castle and this led to him eventually selling it off as building materials.

Today as you can see not much remains of the castle but the setting of the ruins adds to the enjoyment of a visit to this site of once historical importance.

During the demolition, a tiled hearth was built into the floor of the hall to melt down the valuable window leads.

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Visit Information: -

Google Reference: -
51.544610767349745, 0.6090745734243965

What Three Words reference: -
///mute.tile.gently

OS Details: -
TQ 81002 86071 Altitude: 158 ft

Additional information.
This is a fine ruin in a very beautiful setting. It gets busy with walker and is popular for picnics.
There is a good size car park at Hadleigh Farm (51.54785716762494, 0.6068869826787562) This is the site of a rare breeds farm and there is also tea rooms here.
The castle is a short well signposted 15 minute walk from here.