These days, Hadleigh town is better known for its role in the recent 2012 London Olympics. Home to the one-of-a-kind race track that hosted the Olympic mountain biking contest; this small, but historical town has gained much publicised attention over the last year or so (see www.hadleigh.net or click here for more information).
Ahead of the excitement of the Olympic games, this little town in the southeast of Essex, was also known for its famous castle. All year round, both tourists and the locals enjoy visiting the historical castle; not only for the history, but the views that are on offer.
The town is packed full of history. Just look at this historical calendar of Hadleigh town, for a thorough look at its history:
500 – 400 BC The start of a settlement emerges in Hadleigh. This is known, on account of the Iron Age burial place discovered near the parish church.
870 – 1020 Arrival of the Vikings
1066 – Invasion by the Normans
1231 – Hadleigh castle is built. In the same year, records report the start of the weekly Hadleigh weekly market – something which continues to this day.
1381 – Peasant’s Revolt
1553 – Hadleigh castle sold. This is when the castle began to descend into ruin.
1651 – Inn Built. It is known today as ‘The Castle’ but was originally called the ‘Boar’s Head’.
1808 – 14 Peninsular Wars. Those coming back from war, settled on Daws Heath.
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1855 – First school built in Hadleigh.
1856 – A railway reaching Southend is built.
1897 – Confectioners/Stationers shop put in High Street. Alfred Lawrence owned the shop.
1937 – First public library in Hadleigh.
1940 – Hadleigh buildings damaged in air raid. This included the Salvation Army building.
1971 – The Deanes School is opened.
2009 – Wagon and Horses public house pulled down. New flats were built on its site.
2012 – The Olympic Games come to Hadleigh! The mountain bike events are held on the land overlooking the estuary.
Despite its reputation as a historical town, Hadleigh high street today is known as being a hub of modern activity. This is all thanks to the many new businesses (see-pubs in Hadleigh Essex) to be welcomed into the town, helping Hadleigh to become the popular shopping, eating and drinking destination that it is today.
So, for a taste of the historical combined with modern luxury, why not pay Hadleigh a visit of your own?
For more information on this popular town, see – Hadleigh community.