Hedingham Castle was built around 1100 and is arguably the best preserved Norman keep in England. The keep was built around 1140 and is the only major medieval structure that has survived.
The manor of Hedingham was awarded to Aubrey de Vere I by William the Conqueror by 1086. A large ditch was cut through a natural spur into the Colne Valley to form a ringwork and inner bailey, and an outer bailey extended south further into what is now the modern village of Castle Hedingham.
The keep has five floors including the Great or Banqueting Hall with a great fireplace and a central arch extending two stories. It’s also nearly square (53 ft by 58 ft), a common shape for Norman keeps.
Matilda, wife of King Stephen, died at Castle Hedingham on 3 May 1152. The castle was besieged twice, in 1216 and 1217. While Hedingham Castle remains a family home, the Norman keep and grounds are open to the public from Easter to October.
Visit Hedingham Castle
Facilities
Hours
Sundays:
11.00am – 4.00pm
Wednesdays:
11.00am – 4.00pm
Tuesdays (School holidays only):
11.00am – 4.00pm
Address
Hedingham Castle,
Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham
Essex, CO9 3DJ
Phone
01787 460261
Prices
| Type of Ticket | Admission Price |
| 18 – 65 | £8.50 |
| 65+ | £7.50 |
| 5 – 18 | £6.00 |
| Under 5 | Free |
| Family Ticket | £25.00 |
| One Adult Family Ticket | £17.50 |
Note: Residents of Castle Hedingham & Sible Hedingham only will be charged £2 for entry, or £12 for a season ticket
Location
Hedingham Castle Gifts
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