Hedingham Castle

Hedingham Castle in Essex, England dates from shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was built by Aubrey de Vere, one of William I's barons, who chose the location from the extensive lands granted by the king in lieu of services provided. The keep is the only mediaeval element of the castle to have survived, the hall, drawbridge and outbuildings all having been replaced during the Tudor period by structures which—with the exception of a fine late 15th century brick bridge—have now also been lost. A country mansion was built by the Ashurst family during the early 18th century, and this survives.