Hadleigh (Essex)
Hadleigh is a small town in Essex, a little to the West of Leigh, and now practically a suburb of Southend.
The suffix "leigh" indicates that it was a clearing in the extensive forest that once covered almost all of Essex. Similar names within a few miles are Hockley, Rayleigh and Thundersley.
Hadleigh is best known for Hadleigh Castle, the ruins of which stand in a commanding position overlooking the estuary of the River Thames and across to Kent. The castle was originally built in the 13th century, and was the home of a number of Queens. It was immortalised in a famous painting by John Constable.
The Norman St. James the Less Church has a very early depiction of Thomas a Becket.
Cunning Murrell, the most feared of the Essex cunning men, lived at Hadleigh.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Hadleigh (Essex) for groups.
Events in Hadleigh (Essex)
Places in Hadleigh (Essex)
Hadleigh Castle, Hadleigh Country Park, St. James the Less Church