Hedingham Castle

Only the great keep remains of this 12th century fortress but it is one of the best preserved in Europe.

It was built between 1120 and 1140. Like most Norman keeps its main entrance was on the first floor. Access to the keep was by a wooden staircase which would be pulled up into the castle in case of attack.

It has four storeys but the second floor is double the height of the others and forms a great hall. This splendid room has windows on two levels and is spanned by a huge Norman arch. A gallery runs around the upper part of the hall.

During the Magna Carter Wars the owner Robert de Vere sided with other barons against King John. The castle was attacked on two occasions by the King.

However, King John died soon afterwards and the castle was returned to Robert de Vere and his family continued to own the castle until 1703.