HEDINGHAM CASTLE

Everyone loves a castle and there is nothing more intriguing than a really fantastically Old English Castle with an ancient romantic provenance, wild landscapes and an intriguing dark history to the past of battling knights and horses.

WOOLF Interior Design and Interior Architecture were first introduced to Hedingham castle by Karen Impey, a friend, expert in the Romanesque and wife of Edward Impey, FSA, FRHistS. A British historian, archaeologist and museum curator. A former senior at ‘English Heritage’, since October 2013 Edward has been ‘Master of the Armouries’ and ‘Director General of the Royal Armouries’. The intriguing world of the Royal Armouries, displays many fabulous exhibits, historic gems and spectacular jousting competitions. Where else could you find a great jousting competition? Explore WOOLF historic projects.

Hedingham Castle" by bradbox is licensed under CC BY 2.0

A MODERN CONTEXT

Karen introduced us to the magical Heading Castle which apart from being a spectacular example of a great English Heritage site, also happens to run a fantastic Jousting line- up. A jousting event is a heady combination of history, design ceremony and theatre and Equestrian action. Most fascinating were the gorgeous harlequin designs of the flags and banners, the flashing pulsing hooves, extraordinarily crafted antique (and very heavy) armour and an equestrian tradition dating back beyond the middles ages, in Britain and throughout Europe.

 There is something about Norman architecture and the exquisite craftsmanship of armour which inspires the preservation of those buildings and the way in which we re-inhabit them today. At WOOLF we are keen to support the preservation of our historic architectural heritage. A magical unique charm makes Headington quite a special example of a quintessentially modern English castle, in our opinion, the best preserved Norman Castle in England. Explore WOOLF historic projects .

"Hedingham Castle" by pyntofmyld is licensed under CC BY 2.0

"Snowdrop Sundays at Hedingham Castle, Essex, UK" by kitmasterbloke is licensed under CC BY 2.0

NOT JUST ANOTHER COUNTRY HOUSE

This majestic castle stands in the heart of its ancient ramparts and medieval park, which have evolved into beautiful landscaped gardens. Privately owned by the Lindsay family, descendants of the Earls of Oxford who built it, Hedingham Castle is not just one place. Romantic, exquisite, significant, magnificent and ageless, it is a haven which has had great meaning for 900 years.  Its character is revered and its history is the heritage of us all “somewhere to set your imagination free”. Privately owned, its character is unique, and its history is the heritage of us all. Throughout its history, Hedingham Castle has hosted legendary parties and is now available for Weddings, Parties, Exclusive Hire and Corporate Retreats, specialising in outstanding celebrations that combine a unique heart, delight and the highest standards of service for unique memorable experiences.

The grounds encompass over 1000 years of defensive ramparts, medieval husbandry, classical sweeping landscapes and romantic gardens.  Whether you are on the motte and bailey looking out over Essex or wandering through the lime avenue by the lake, there is a tangible sense of history.

"Hedingham castle Gardens" by 1936matt is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

A CASTLE INTERIOR

Hedingham Castle - Minstrel Gallery" by Mark Seton is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The 900 year old Norman keep of Hedingham Castle stands in 160 acres of spectacularly beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland where the Lindsay family, descendants of the original owners, the De Veres, still live. The first Aubrey de Vere, Lord of Ver in Normandy, had come over with William the Conqueror. 

He planted vineyards and wild red grapes which still grow in the grounds. He founded the priory of Earl’s Colne and became a monk after the death of his wife, who bore five sons.

The castle interior has been restored, the original Norman and later Tudor style has been retained. The beauty of the interior is that the original structure and materials are integral to the overall design. The interior design does not attempt to cover or hide the way in which it was built, indeed the interior displays and honours the structure and techniques of the building’s interior. Explore WOOLF historic projects .

Hedingham Castle" by 1936matt is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

 NORMAN DESIGN

The Keep is nearly square, a common shape for Norman keeps. The east and west sides are 53 ft. (16 m) long and the north-south sides about 58 ft. (18 m). The main part of the keep stands more than 70 ft. (21 m) tall, and the turrets rise an additional 15 to 25 ft. (4.6 to 7.6 m) above the, commanding the countryside around it from its elevated position atop the ringwork.

The walls are about 11 ft. (3.4 m) thick at the base and average 10 ft. (3.0 m) thick at the top. They are constructed from flint rubble bound with lime mortar, but, very unusually for an Essex castle, are faced with ashlar stone transported from a quarry in Barnack, Northamptonshire.

The keep has five floors including the Great or Banqueting Hall with a great fireplace and a central arch extending two stories. The top floor may have been added around the 15th century, replacing an impressive pyramid-shaped roof. This is a recent theory, however, and many older sources have noted the similar plans of Hedingham Castle and Rochester Castle, which was begun about 1126 and has four floors and four turrets.

Changes were made in subsequent years, particularly during the Tudor period. Two of the original four corner turrets are missing. It seems likely, however, that their demise was an attempt to demolish the building for materials rather than a result of military action.

The outer buildings, including the hall, drawbridge and others, were replaced during the Tudor period. However, those structures have now also been lost. The only exception is the red-brick bridge of four spans that connects the inner bailey to the outer bailey, lying to the north-east of the keep. The bridge was built in the late 15th or early 16th century and has been restored several times. A chapel was previously located to the south of the stone keep within the inner bailey.

Around 1700, a Queen Anne style red-brick mansion was built in the outer bailey by Sir William Ashhurst, an MP and a former Lord Mayor of London. This was built sometime between his purchase of the property in 1693 and his death in 1719.

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

The owners have invested in photovoltaics to produce electricity, a biomass boiler heating both the house and the keep, soon have their own water from the medieval well. Reducing their impact on the environment, stimulate local economy and support local community through all our activities. If the village of Castle Hedingham and the county of Essex do not thrive then neither do they. Watch the tour of Hedingham Castle or Explore WOOLF historic projects .

 A FAMILY AFFAIR

Both buildings and the landscape are in need of constant attention. All admission charges are invested back into these ongoing restoration and conservation projects that keep the place glorious. “When you know about the good work your predecessors have done over history, it makes you want to try your best”.

The owner Demetra Lindsay had remarked that “The castle is, like living with a rather demanding great aunt who always wants something else.  I can’t remember the amount of times over the last 16 years that I have thought we would do certain projects in the year and then realised that, by the end of December, we have achieved a whole different list of urgent things!  I have got used to it and in many respects the days run in a similar way.  No two days are alike. We have 3 children, Natasha, Anthony and Thomas. They are all at school and have created their own special brand of chaos and excitement in the place. Apparently adults can’t see ghosts but children can – or they might be very good story tellers”. Explore WOOLF historic projects .