Hadleigh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Hadleigh | |
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| Population | 7,239 (2001 Census) |
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| OS grid reference | |
| District | Babergh |
| Shire county | Suffolk |
| Region | East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | IPSWICH |
| Postcode district | IP7 |
| Dial code | 01473 |
| Police | Suffolk |
| Fire | Suffolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| UK Parliament | South Suffolk |
| European Parliament | East of England |
| List of places: UK • England • Suffolk | |
Hadleigh is an ancient town in Suffolk, East Anglia, England.
Guthrum, King of the Danes, is said to be buried in St. Mary's Church (Although a recent talk given by a resident of the town to the Hadleigh Society explored in depth this legend with, unfortunately, inconclusive results !) (though presumably this was in the precursor to the present 14th century church). He was defeated by King Alfred in the 9th century.
Hadleigh has a 15th century timber-framed Guildhall, and buildings of brick, timber and plasterwork can be found in the High Street. The deanery, which is next to the church, is a highly distinctive and attractive brick building. The Oxford Movement was said to have been founded following a meeting in the deanery.
The town was famous for its wool and cloth industries. Like its near-neighbour, East Bergholt, Hadleigh was also known during the 16th century for its Protestant radicalism (and to this day supports a United Reformed Church, a Baptist chapel and a Salvation Army congregation, as well as the Church of England church and a Roman Catholic church). Rowland Taylor, a noted preacher from the town, was martyred during the reign of Queen Mary I.
The town is the home of the noted English poet Pauline Stainer. It is also the location for the headquarters of Babergh District Council [1]- which has been rated as 'good' by inspectors from the Audit Commission. There is also a town called Hadleigh, near Benfleet in Essex.
For Hadleigh Businesses visit the Chamber of Commerce web site http://www.hadleigh4u.org
To learn more about Hadleigh go to http://www.hadleigh.org.uk
