Medieval landscape features at Hadleigh Castle (EHER 46887)

A 2009 earthwork survey examined the remains of Hadleigh Castle, including the medieval features within the landscape of the castle.

2009. Earthwork survey. A detailed account of the documentary evidence outlining the historic development of Hadleigh Castle is given followed by a detailed summary of the nature and development of the earthworks surrounding the castle. The main original eastern entrance consisted of a barbican with complex earthworks. A platform to the east of the castle was probably the site of the original barbican, possibly sited on top of an underlying terrace. There is a ramp beyond the plateau that rises from the natural ridge on which the castle sits. A substantial ditch between this ramp and the barbican plateau was probably spanned by a wooden bridge. These features probably date to about 1215-1239. A hedge with a bank and two ditches was constructed in the early 14th century around the barbican to shore up the defences after the collapse of a section of walling. The wooden bridge was probably replaced by an earth causeway about 1361-1365 when substantial building works were underway on Hadleigh Castle. During this period, the present drum towers were rebuilt and the barbican relocated to its present position. The present barbican and probably the current postern were built on the north side of the castle about 1369-1370. This relocating of the entrance into the castle resulted in the approach to the castle changing as well. It is thought that the most likely approach route was now up the valley to the north of the castle and then along a causeway which mostly ran in a south easternly direction to the barbican. On the eastern side of the castle, modification of the earthworks may have included the creation of a viewing mount. In the late 14th century, the natural spur of land to the north west of the castle appears to have been modified, possibly for defence in light of the Peasant's Revolt. The causeway leading to the barbican was cut into in the 19th century. The southern wall earthworks slumped and collapsed between 1898-1923. The north eastern drum tower slumped in the 1950s to its present position. Excavations have been undertaken during the 19th and 20th centuries and the outline of these have been identified. Pathways have been worn around the site by visitors. A terraced area appears to have been present to the south of the castle, possibly a vineyard of about 1274-1275. There may be an access route to the eastern side of the terraces from the original eastern entrance to the castle. The platforms of the terrace may have been gardens with possible garden structures located at the eastern and western end of the terrace. North of the castle, there is the earthwork of a dam which is probably associated with a medieval fishpond. East of the castle are traces of a modern 20th century building. <1> <2>