Nowadays, 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 Hadleigh news).
Ahead of the big arrival of the Olympics, this quaint town in southeast Essex was best known for its famous castle. All year round, both locals and tourists alike visit the historical Hadleigh castle; primarily for the scenic estuary views it has on offer.
The town is rich with history. Simply take a look at this calendar of historical happenings known to have taken place in the town of Hadleigh:
500 – 400 BC The start of a settlement emerges in Hadleigh. This was discovered when the remains of an Iron Age burial ground were found 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 today.
1381 – Peasant’s Revolt
1553 – Hadleigh castle sold. This is when the castle started to descend into ruin.
1651 – Inn Built. First named the ‘Boar’s Head’, today, it is known as ‘The Castle’.
1808 – 14 Peninsular Wars. Those coming back from war, settled on Daws Heath.
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 store.
1937 – First public library in Hadleigh.
1940 – Hadleigh buildings damaged in air raid. The Salvation Army was one of many buildings to be damaged.
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 being known as a historical town, today, Hadleigh high street is known as a hub of modern day activity. This is all thanks to the many new businesses (see-doctor surgery 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 – http://www.hadleigh.net.
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