Take A Step Back in Time, With A History of Hadleigh Town

Hadleigh is best known today, 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).

Before the excitement of the Olympic games, this little town in the southeast of Essex, was also known for its famous castle. All year long, both locals and tourists alike visit the historical Hadleigh castle; primarily for the scenic estuary views it has on offer.

The town is packed full of history. Just see this historical calendar of Hadleigh town, for a detailed look at its history:

500 - 400 BC The start of a settlement emerges in Hadleigh. This is known, with thanks to 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 very day.

1381 - Peasant's Revolt

1553 - Hadleigh castle sold. This is when the castle began to descend into ruin.

1651 - Inn Built. Was originally named the Boar's Head, these days it is known as 'The Castle'.

1808 - 14 Peninsular Wars. Coming back from war, squatters 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. One of the buildings was the Salvation Army.

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-shopping 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 business.