Hadleigh

Introduction

Hadleigh is a much-underrated gem. It's a small town that has many beautiful timber-framed buildings, many with decorative plasterwork (pargetting). Take time to stroll along High Street, Angel Street and Benton Street in particular to admire some of the wonderful architecture. Plus, don't miss the impressive Deanery Tower and Guildhall, both of which are hidden to the west of the High Street, close to the church (see the gallery).

The town was recorded in Domesday as "Hetlega" and appears on John Speed's 1610 map as "Hadley". The Danish ruler of East Anglia, Guthrum lived here for 12 years after conversion to Christianity by King Alfred. It's known locally as Hadleigh in the Hole", a name which anyone who's cycled uphill out of the town in almost any direction will understand.

There's only a single thatched house in the whole town (40 George Street, see the gallery) due to a borough ordinance of 1619 which banned the use of thatch and ordered that all chimney stacks should be built from brick.

The town's most prosperous period was from the 12th Century onwards, when weavers created a woollen production centre…

Gallery