Castle Hedingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle Hedingham |
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 St. James Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex |
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 Castle Hedingham
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| Population | 1,201 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | TL787357 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Halstead |
| Postcode district | CO9 |
| Dialling code | 01787 |
| Police | Essex |
| Fire | Essex |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament |
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Castle Hedingham is a lovely village in northern Essex, England. It sits about four miles west of Halstead. The village is also three miles southeast of Great Yeldham. It is located in the Colne Valley. An old road from Colchester, Essex, to Cambridge passes through here.
The village grew up around Hedingham Castle. This castle was the main home of the de Vere family. They were powerful Earls of Oxford. The first earl, Aubrey de Vere III, finished building the castle's main tower, called the keep. He also started a Benedictine nunnery near the castle gates. It was called Castle Hedingham Priory. Later, Hugh de Vere, the fourth earl, bought the right to hold a market in the town. This was in the mid-1200s. He also started a hospital just outside the castle around 1250.
Contents
Discovering Castle Hedingham
Castle Hedingham has many interesting places to visit. The most famous is Hedingham Castle. It is a very old Norman castle that is still in great shape. You can also visit the Colne Valley Railway. Kirby Hall is another historic site. The village also has many beautiful medieval buildings. These buildings are made with timber-frames.
St. Nicholas Church: A Glimpse into the Past
The church of St. Nicholas is a very old building. Its construction began around 1180. It shows both Norman and Gothic styles. The church has a special double hammerbeam roof. This roof is thought to be designed by Thomas Loveday. He also worked on St John's College, Cambridge. Inside, you can see a Romanesque wheel window. There is also an old cemetery cross. These are parts of the original Norman church.
The church has a set of six bells. You can find more details about them online.
The Colne Valley Railway: A Journey Through Time
Castle Hedingham used to have its own train station. It was called Sible and Castle Hedingham railway station. The Colne Valley & Halstead Railway Company opened it in 1867. The station closed in 1964. But it was not forgotten! In 1974, it was taken apart and rebuilt. This was done by the Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society. The new station is now north-west of the village.
Castle Hedingham Pottery: Local Art
Castle Hedingham Pottery was a special art studio. Edward Bingham ran it in Castle Hedingham. It operated from about 1864 until 1901. His unique pottery is now very popular with collectors.
Famous People from Castle Hedingham
Many interesting people have connections to Castle Hedingham.
- Sir John Hawkwood: He was a famous knight from the 1300s. He led a group of soldiers called "The White Company." He was well-known in Florence, Italy. A painting of him is in the Duomo in Florence. He was born nearby in 1320.
- Edward Bingham: He was a Victorian potter. His Castle Hedingham Ware pottery is now very popular.
- Margery Blackie: She was a doctor. She became the first woman royal physician to Queen Elizabeth II. This means she was a doctor to the Queen.
- Sir Fowell Buxton, 1st Baronet: He helped start the RSPCA. This group protects animals. He was also a Member of Parliament. He worked to end slavery in the 1800s. He took over the fight from William Wilberforce.
- Mark Catesby: He was a naturalist. This means he studied nature, like plants and animals.
- The de Vere Family: Several members of this important family lived here.
- Aubrey de Vere I: He owned the land of Hedingham in 1086. This was recorded in the Domesday Book.
- Aubrey de Vere III: He finished building the stone castle at Hedingham.
- Robert de Vere, 3rd Earl of Oxford: He was one of the 25 barons who helped create the Magna Carta. This was an important document about rights.
- John de Vere, 13th Earl of Oxford: He led Henry Tudor's army. This was at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
- Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford: He supported artists and poets. Some people even think he might have written Shakespeare's plays.
- Major-General Daniel Hoghton: He was a British Army officer. He fought bravely in the Napoleonic Wars.
- Anne Lindsay and Jack Lindsay: Anne was an actor and Jack was a writer from Australia.
- The Majendie Family: Several members of this family were involved in politics.
- James Majendie: A Conservative Party politician.
- Lewis Majendie: Another Conservative Party politician.
- Musette Majendie: She owned Hedingham Castle for a time.
- Eric Ravilious: He was a painter and illustrator. He also made wood engravings.
- Tirzah Garwood: She was a British artist and engraver. She was Eric Ravilious's wife.
- Sir Robert Wilson CBE FRS: He was an astronomer. This means he studied stars and space.
- Henry de Vere Stacpoole: He was an author. He wrote the famous book The Blue Lagoon. He lived at Astles, Pye Corner.
Images for kids
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Interior of St. Nicholas' Church
See also
In Spanish: Castle Hedingham para niños
