Wednesday 09th June 2010
Hedingham Castle and Grounds
The Norman keep is a striking building, over 110 feet high and the walls immensely strong, being over 12 feet thick. Unlike most castles, it is completely faced with ashlar stone which gives it a smooth finish and has weathered to a warm, pinkish colour over the centuries since it was built in about 1140.
Built by Aubrey de Vere II, Lord Great Chamberlain of England, it remains an enduring monument to the de Veres, Earls of Oxford, who ruled this part of the country like monarchs of their own land.
Our guide, Jane, was very knowledgeable about the history of the family and the building and starting outside the main door she gave a very interesting tour, taking in th
e Garrison floor, which now houses the Gift Shop and Tea Room, the wide spiral staircase leading to the Banqueting Hall, the Minstrels Gallery and the Dormitory Floor.
The Banqueting Hall is striking with a great stone arch 28 feet wide and 20 feet high.
This is where the taxes from the whole area were collected each year before being transferred to the Treasury at Winchester.
We then adjourned to the Tea Room for refreshment before individually exploring the Keep and the grounds with their lakes and flower beds.
There is also a large Mansion House which is not open to the public but is hired out for functions.
Many of us then took advantage of the fine weather and walked into the villa
ge for lunch and to explore the charming backstreets, lined with mediaeval houses and a fine church.
Unfortunately Mary Leverett had a fall in the Minstrel’s Gallery and was in great pain. An ambulance was called and with some difficulty she was carried down the spiral staircase. Heather accompanied her to Colchester hospital, where she was diagnosed with a femur broken near the hip. She was to be operated on this Thursday 10th June. We would like to send our sympathy and best wishes to her – she is very determined fo
r her age, not many of us could do the things she does at her age. Get well soon, Mary.
Hedingham Castle and Grounds
The Norman keep is a striking building, over 110 feet high and the walls immensely strong, being over 12 feet thick. Unlike most castles, it is completely faced with ashlar stone which gives it a smooth finish and has weathered to a warm, pinkish colour over the centuries since it was built in about 1140.
Built by Aubrey de Vere II, Lord Great Chamberlain of England, it remains an enduring monument to the de Veres, Earls of Oxford, who ruled this part of the country like monarchs of their own land.
Our guide, Jane, was very knowledgeable about the history of the family and the building and starting outside the main door she gave a very interesting tour, taking in th
e Garrison floor, which now houses the Gift Shop and Tea Room, the wide spiral staircase leading to the Banqueting Hall, the Minstrels Gallery and the Dormitory Floor.The Banqueting Hall is striking with a great stone arch 28 feet wide and 20 feet high.
This is where the taxes from the whole area were collected each year before being transferred to the Treasury at Winchester.
We then adjourned to the Tea Room for refreshment before individually exploring the Keep and the grounds with their lakes and flower beds.
There is also a large Mansion House which is not open to the public but is hired out for functions.
Many of us then took advantage of the fine weather and walked into the villa
ge for lunch and to explore the charming backstreets, lined with mediaeval houses and a fine church.Unfortunately Mary Leverett had a fall in the Minstrel’s Gallery and was in great pain. An ambulance was called and with some difficulty she was carried down the spiral staircase. Heather accompanied her to Colchester hospital, where she was diagnosed with a femur broken near the hip. She was to be operated on this Thursday 10th June. We would like to send our sympathy and best wishes to her – she is very determined fo
r her age, not many of us could do the things she does at her age. Get well soon, Mary. 
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