Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHedingham Castle

Hedingham Castle

England
List entry 1002218
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Hedingham Castle is a Norman keep built in the late twelfth century by the de Vere family, who held the honour of Essex as substantial landholders throughout the medieval period. The castle survives as a four-storey square stone keep with decorative arcading and a dramatic forebuilding, constructed around 1140 and representing one of the finest examples of Norman military architecture in England. The keep rises to approximately one hundred feet and features substantial walls with an original height of one hundred and ten feet, dominating the surrounding landscape and demonstrating the power and resources of its aristocratic builders. The castle served as both a baronial stronghold and administrative centre, and its survival in relatively good condition makes it an exceptionally important testimony to twelfth-century feudal military design and the domestic arrangements of the Norman elite.

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 keep built in the late twelfth century by the de Vere family, who held the honour of Essex as substantial landholders throughout the medieval period. 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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