Hadleigh Castle
Hadleigh Castle was built around 1232 by Hubert de Burgh. The aim was
to build a castle that would help guard against the risk of a French attack.
Hadleigh was chosen because it was on a hill so it had a good view of the
Thames. The site could be easily defended because it has steep slopes around it
and limited access as there were only two approaches, what is now Castle Lane
and via the river.
The castle had an octagonal bailey, surrounded by curtain walls, set with
small towers. The walls were built of Kentish Ragstone, Reigate stone and flint
and ditches were dug on the north, east and west sides to protect the walls.
Around ten years later, the danger of attack from France decreased, so the
need for coastal defences was less, and the castle fell into disrepair. During the
13th century, the western wall had to be rebuilt several times because of
landslips. (The soil in the area is clay). One King, Edward I, only spent £41 on
the castle during a reign of 35 years.
When Edward III (1327-1377) became King, he again went to war with
France so Hadleigh Castle was an important site. Between 1327 and 1350,
extensive rebuilding of the Castle occurred. Two new towers at the North East
and South East corners were added. It was mainly used as a garrison for
soldiers. After 1360 the French became much stronger and started raiding the
south coast of England, so defences were important. The rebuilding cost more
than £2000 which was a huge sum in those days.
During Richard II’s reign (1377-1399) there were soldiers again in the
castle, guarding against the Essex villains who took part in the Peasant’s Revolt.
After Richard’s death, custodianship of the castle passed amongst many people,
mostly kings, queens or relations of kings. The King would either own the castle
himself or would grant it to a relation or nobleman for their lifetime. There was
also a custom of granting the castle to Queens. Henry VIII gave the castle to 3
of his wives, but there’s no evidence to suggest that they either lived in, or
visited, the castle. In all, the castle was occupied for over 300 years.
By 1551, the castle was probably in a state of decay. The steep slopes
which had defended the castle, also became its downfall. The slopes were
unstable and the castle was damaged by landslipping. By 1600, the castle was a
ruin.
During the 19th century, secret chambers in the ruins of the castle were
supposed to have been used by smugglers to hide their ill-gotten gains. Dick
Turpin was also reputed to have used the ruins with his gang of highwaymen.
In 1814, Constable made a sketch of the castle.