Castle Road

Hadleigh Castle

Leigh-on-Sea

Hadleigh was begun in about 1215 by Hubert de Burgh, but extensively refortified by Edward III during the Hundred Years War, becoming a favourite residence of the ageing king.

The barbican and two striking drum towers – one later used by Georgian revenue men looking out for smugglers – are part of Edward’s substantial building works during the 1360s.

Today the romantic ruins of this royal castle look out over the Essex marshes.