Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 849: summary

Archaeological monitoring, test-pits and building recording at Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, Essex: June 2014-December 2015
by Mark Baister

Date report completed: December 2015
Location: Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, Essex
Map reference(s): TL 78707 35867
File size: 6,123 kb
Project type: Archaeological monitoring, test-pits and building recording
Significance of the results:
Keywords:

Summary. Over the course of 18 months, a programme of archaeological investigation was carried out at Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, Essex during extensive restoration and modernising works. The monitoring of new service-trenches, the excavation of exploratory test-pits and a building recording survey were all undertaken during this period. The most significant discoveries from these investigations are as follows. - The site of the original Norman gatehouse and later Tudor repairs to it. - Tudor construction and landscaping within the bailey. - The date of the fore-buildings construction and the reason for its demolition. - Foundations which supported curtain walls surrounding the motte and inner bailey. - The original floor of the keep basement. - A dumping of material and a burnt layer within the keep basement. - Numerous other Norman and Tudor foundations. These discoveries give a glimpse of the evolving layout and history of the castle and form the basis for any future work.