Castle Hedingham, near Braintree
Essex
England
Circa Date: 1140 w/later alterations and additions
Status: Partially Extant
Only the Keep is extant.
House Open to Public: Yes
Country House: Yes
The castle from an 1831 engraving
The castle from a circa 1880 photograph
The Castle in 1592 from a 1904 drawing
Built / Designed For: Aubrey de Vere II, 1st Lord Great Chamberlain of England.
House & Family History: The Hedingham Keep, at 110 feet tall, is considered the finest Norman keep in England. It was built circa 1140 by Aubrey de Vere and includes, in its walls, the Banqueting Hall, which is spanned by a 28-foot arch, one of the largest Norman arches in England. Kings Henry VII and VIII, and Elizabeth I all visited Hedingham. King John was besieged at the Castle.
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Not Listed
Current Seat / Home of: Thomas Lindsay
Past Seat / Home of: Aubrey de Vere II, 1st Lord Great Chamberlain of England, 12th century; Henry de Vere, 18th Earl of Oxford, 1604-25. Sir William Ashhurst, MP, Lord Mayor of London, 1713-19.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
Ownership Details: The Keep can be booked for weddings and events.
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01787-460-261
Fax: 01787-461-473
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Historic Houses Member: Yes