OUR HISTORY
Step into the heart of England’s medieval past at Hedingham Castle, where nearly 900 years of history unfold before your eyes.
In the Beginning…
The Lordship of Hedingham in pre-Conquest days belonged to a Saxon thane named Ulwine. He was one of those unfortunate people who did not benefit from the invasions of the Normans. William the Conqueror took all his lands and gave them to one of his best soldiers and most important knights: Alberic (or Aubrey) de Vere, who was thought to have been the Lord of Ver in Normandy. Alberic was granted 14 lordships in England by William the Conqueror and went on to marry William’s half sister, Beatrice, who had his five sons.
The Castle was built in 1140 by Aubrey II, the eldest son of Alberic. He was created Lord Great Chamberlain of England in 1133, and as such he attended King Stephen at Westminster.
The Earls of Oxford
Soon after his father’s death in 1141, crusader Aubrey de Vere III, was ennobled by Empress Matilda to become the first Earl of Oxford, a title that continued for 20 generations. For the next 500 years, the Earls of Oxford were one of the most powerful families in the country. We won’t bore you here with five centuries worth of history but some notable moments were:
- The 3rd Earl of Oxford, Robert de Vere (1170-1221), was one of the 25 barons of the Magna Carta.
- The 9th Earl (1361-1392), also a Robert, was a favourite of King Richard II’s and given the title of Duke of Ireland, a title with regal powers. This inspired great jealousy among the other nobles who plotted against him and impeached him for treason, resulting in his exile in Flanders, Belgium.
- John, the 12th Earl (1408-1461), was a prominent Lancastrian (a follower of the House of Lancaster in the War of the Roses, all very Game of Thrones) and was loyal to King Henry VI. Upon the accession of Edward VI, John and his son came under suspicion and were arrested at Hedingham and imprisoned in the Tower of London, later both being beheaded at Tower Hill in 1461.
- The 13th Earl, also John (1443-1513), became the greatest and richest of all the de Veres, having been rewarded handsomely for his bravery and leadership during the War of the Roses, where he led the vanguard at the Battle of Bosworth; the victory of which put Henry VII on the throne. With these riches, John added many fine embellishments to the estate, including the Tudor bridge which still stands today. In 1491, he became godfather to the King’s second son, the future King Henry VIII.
- Edward, the 17th Earl (1550-1604), was an unusually brilliant child, gaining degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge and becoming a great favourite with Queen Elizabeth I who called him ‘my Turk’. The Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare authorship contends that Edward de Vere wrote the plays and poems of William Shakespeare. While historians and literary scholars overwhelmingly reject alternative authorship candidates, public interest in the Oxfordian theory continues.
The crown jewel of Hedingham is its awe-inspiring iconic Norman Keep, a marvel of medieval architecture that has stood the test of time. Completed around 1140 and built of stone from Barnack, this towering fortress was designed not only to defend but also to impress, with grand rooms, arched windows and walls soaring over 100 feet high. It is one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in Europe, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the lords and ladies who once walked its halls.
Hedingham Castle’s story is intertwined with the most significant events of English history. From the de Vere family’s involvement in the signing of the Magna Carta to their prominent roles in the Wars of the Roses, the castle was more than just a home—it was a seat of power. During the Tudor period, the castle entertained royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I and Henry VII, adding another layer to its remarkable past.
Today, Hedingham Castle continues to be owned by descendants of the de Vere family, Jason and Demetra Lindsay and their three children. Both Jason and Demetra work tirelessly to preserve its unique heritage and connection to the past, as well as ensuring that the castle stays relevant to the modern age. Since they inherited the estate in the early 2000s and moved to Hedingham Castle from London, the Lindsays have transformed the castle, Georgian House and gardens into the stunning weddings and events venue you see today. In 2024, they launched their very first gin, DeVere Finest Gin, as an homage to their ancestors.
Visitors to Hedingham Castle can wander through its ancient rooms, stand in the majestic Banqueting Hall where important feasts and celebrations were once held, and feel the echoes of history that resonate through every stone. Whether you’re here for a tour, an event, or to get married, Hedingham Castle offers an unforgettable journey through time—where the past comes vividly to life