Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHedingham Castle

Hedingham Castle

England
List entry 1002218
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Hedingham Castle is a Norman fortress built in the late twelfth century by the de Vere family, Earls of Oxford, and stands as one of the finest examples of a keep-gatehouse in England. The castle's principal surviving structure is a substantial square stone keep, approximately ninety feet in height, which features rounded corner turrets and displays characteristic Romanesque architectural detailing including decorative arcading. The keep was constructed around 1140 and originally formed part of a larger defensive complex protected by earthwork fortifications and a curtain wall, though most of these outer defences have since been lost. The castle remained in the possession of the de Vere family for several centuries and continues to demonstrate the military and domestic sophistication of twelfth-century baronial architecture.

Hedingham Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002218. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hedingham Castle?

Hedingham Castle is a Norman fortress built in the late twelfth century by the de Vere family, Earls of Oxford, and stands as one of the finest examples of a keep-gatehouse in England. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002218.

Who is responsible for protecting Hedingham Castle?

Hedingham Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002218.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hedingham Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Moated site south of Rectory Road, 170m east of St Peter's Church (1.8 km), Roman villa 480m south east of Hill Farm (5 km), Stanley Hall moated site (5.8 km).

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