Essex Travel Guide - Castles

William the Conqueror chose Colchester to build the first - and largest - royal castle in stone. Construction began in 1076 on the ruins of a Roman temple to the Emperor Claudius, and remains of the temple can be seen today. The castle fell into disuse in the later medieval period, but was eventually restored and converted into a fine museum.
14 Ryegate Road, Colchester Colchester, Essex, England, CO1 1YG

Attraction Type: Castle
Location: In Castle Park at the eastern end of the High Street, 5 min walk from bus and train.
Website: Colchester Castle Museum
Email: museums@colchester.gov.uk
Phone: 01206 282 939
Location map
OS Grid TL997253
Photo Credit: Rob Farrow, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
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The remains of a 13th century castle standing on high ground over the Essex marshes. Hadleigh was begun in 1215 by Hubert de Burgh. It was later expanded and strengthened by Edward III into a comfortable (for the time) royal residence.
Hadleigh, Essex, England

Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Open at any time. South of the A13 at Hadleigh.
Website: Hadleigh Castle
English Heritage
Google map
OS Grid TQ810861
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This 1140 Norman keep is the only remaining part of the medieval castle and Tudor buildings, stronghold of the de Vere family for 550 years. Banqueting Hall with Minstrels' Gallery. The grounds afford peaceful woodland and lakeside walks.
Castle Hedingham, Essex, England, CO9 3DJ

Attraction Type: Castle
Location: on the B1058
Website: Hedingham Castle
Email: mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Phone: 01787 460 261
Fax: 01787 461 473
Location map
OS Grid TL788 359
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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The small Essex village of Mount Bures is named for the Norman castle mound, or motte, which rises near the 12th century parish church of St John the Baptist. The motte was probably erected by Roger de Poitou, one of the powerful new Norman nobility who took control of England following William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings.
Hall Road, Mount Bures, Essex, England

Attraction Type: Castle
Location: On Hall Road (the road to Wakes Colne), beside the church, off the B1508 south of Bures Hamlet. Open access.
Google map
Photos of Mount Bures Castle Motte
OS Grid TL904325
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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One of the best Norman motte and bailey castle sites of Essex, a county blessed with several fine examples. The castle mound is set within a ditch surrounded by a wide rampart, which stretches to form a bailey on one side.
Rayleigh, Essex, England, SS6 7HD

Attraction Type: Castle
Location: The castle mound is located near Mill Hall car park, 100 yards or so off High Street in Rayleigh centre
Website: Rayleigh Mount
Phone: 01284 747500
National Trust
Location map
OS Grid TQ805909
Photo Credit: John Myers, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
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