Hedingham Castle’s Norman keep, 110 feet high, was built c.1140 by Aubrey de Vere and is still owned by one of his descendants, The Honourable Thomas Lindsay and his wife Virginia. There are four floors to explore, including a magnificent Banqueting Hall spanned by a remarkable 28 foot arch, one of the largest Norman arches […]
Hadleigh Castle
The romantic ruins of a royal castle overlooking the Essex marshes. Hadleigh was begun in about 1215 by Hubert de Burgh, but extensively refortified by Edward III during the Hundred Years War, becoming a favourite residence of the ageing king. The barbican and two striking drum towers – one later used by Georgian revenue men […]
Rye House
Rye House has had a varied and vibrant history. Habitation of the area can be traced back as far as Saxon times and there being a settlement on the site known then as ‘atter eye’ Saxon for ‘at the island’. It is most noted for the construction of a fortified manor house on ‘the Island […]
Hertford Castle
Hertford Castle, a Grade 1 listed building originally built on the site of a Norman Castle. Beautifully situated in the heart of Hertford, yet hidden from the hustle and bustle of town life by the 12thC flint and stone curtain wall. The Town Council offices are at The Castle and some of the rooms are […]
Bishops Stortford Castle
During the 19th century the castle mound and eight acres of surrounding land was owned by the Taylor family. In 1907 they decided to sell-up and this open space was acquired for the town. The creation of Castle Gardens took place in 1907/08 when it was laid out with trees, flower beds, footpaths, fencing, bandstand […]