Castle Hedingham

Welcome. Use the links in the navigation panel to the left of this page to access the information on this site, or see the external links (below) if you are seeking information about the village which isn't covered here. If you administer or know of a website which you think is relevant to the village and which I haven't listed, please let me know using the email link on the left.

Location

Castle Hedingham is situated in the north of Essex, about 20 miles west of Colchester and 30 miles east of Cambridge. It is at 51^o59'25" North, 0^o36'00 East - this small download (zip file) will show its location in Google Earth (which must be installed first, obviously). The village's Ordnance Survey grid reference is TL785355; click here for a map.

Watercolour painting of Falcon Square, Castle Hedingham.

I have begun to play with Google Sketchup, and have created a virtual model of the keep at Hedingham Castle which can be loaded in Google Earth. It's a bit basic (at least at the moment) because I haven't the patience to tweak what I've done, but feel free to download my creation (zip file).

I'm always grateful to receive comments about, and contributions to, these pages. I'm particularly indebted to Holly McKenzie, who has transcribed an enormous amount of information from the records held at the Essex Records Office into Excel format. Holly has kindly allowed me to publish them here, where they should provide an invaluable resource for anyone researching family or local history.

External Links

Hedingham Castle - the official website; use this especially if you're planning a visit.

Essex County Council / English Heritage report - Historic Towns in Essex, Castle Hedingham - This is an excellent document which is, in my opinion, the most accurate account of the village's development. This is a PDF document - use the button below to download Adobe Reader if you don't already have it.

Castle Hedingham Village Design Statement - An outstanding and beautifully illustrated document which sets out not only the considerations for development within the village but its history, too. This is a PDF document - use the button above to download Adobe Reader if you don't already have it.

Michael Cook's web page about Hedingham Castle; a comprehensive history of Hedingham Castle and the de Vere family. Beware of the links on this page, though - it has not been updated for many years.

Channel 4's website produced to complement their “Castles” series – a complete microsite on Hedingham Castle, including an accurate chronology and superb virtual tours of the castle. Highly recommended!

Robert Carney's website - amazing models of Hedingham Castle – especially if you're a Lego fan!

Castle Hedingham's page on Myspace - quite amusing. I'd like to know who created this page; perhaps you'd let me know if it was you!

De Vere Primary School - the official website, usually including examples of children's work.

Colne Valley Railway - located close to the village, this working railway has recreated a steam age station.

Workers' Educational Association - details of the Castle Hedingham branch and upcoming courses, which include "British Architects: Their Lives and Work" and "1900".

Thirzah.co.uk Local genealogical links, including details of gravestone inscriptions from Sible Hedingham churchyard

History House page about Castle Hedingham - useful links

Jane Greatorex - details of her book, "Surgeons & Apothecaries of Castle Hedingham, Essex"

Castle Hedingham Tennis Club - official website

The Bell Inn - This is a great website, including information about the building's history and some wonderful photos, as well as their excellent menu! (Also see what the Guardian has to say about The Bell.)

Castle Hedingham Surgery

Studio Elegance - Photographic studio