Hadleigh Castle

HADLEIGH OFF CASTLE LANE TQ 88 NW 2/6 Hadleigh Castle 7-8-52 - I

Ruins of castle rebuilt by Edward III mid-Late C14 on the site of a castle built by Hubert de Burgh early C13. Reigate stone, ragstone some rubble and tiles, much cockle shell in mortar. Built on a spur overlooking the Thames estuary most of the southern features have slipped to a lower level. Only the foundations or bases of the curtain wall remain between the 8 towers, most of which are low in height. The 3 western towers of square plan, the others circular. To the south and east of the north west square and circular high towers are foundations of kitchen buildings, a hall and solar and a C16 lead melting hearth. The Barbican adjoins the 3 storey High Tower to the west. Low level north tower. The north east tower outer walls are of 3 storeys, with plinth and band of panelled stone and knapped flint over, 2 small square headed windows to ground and first floors and part of a similar window to upper storey, part of a flue to inner wall. South east tower of 3 storeys, with only the western face demolished. Plinth. Knapped flint band over. Each floor with 3 square headed variously spaced windows visible externally. Holes for bars visible. Various putlog holes. Within the south west wall is a garderobe, with chutes discharging externally onto the plinth through 3 square headed openings with sloped cills. 2 flues to north. The south side of the bailey has slipped downhill, but remains of the south and south west towers can be identified. Wall bases of former residential buildings lie between these 2 towers. Low level remains of west tower. The castle is of exceptional interest, being the only work of its type in the country. There is documentary evidence of the progress of the work in 1365-6. Essex Archaeological Society Transactions. N.S. 1, 86 et sq. S.A.M. RCHM 2.

Listing NGR: TQ8097886090