Hadleigh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Hadleigh | |
  Hadleigh shown within Suffolk |
|
| Population | 7,239 (2001 Census) |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| District | Babergh |
| Shire county | Suffolk |
| Region | East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | IPSWICH |
| Postcode district | IP7 |
| Dialling code | 01473 |
| Police | Suffolk |
| Fire | Suffolk |
| Ambulance | East of England |
| European Parliament | East of England |
| UK Parliament | South Suffolk |
| List of places: UK • England • Suffolk | |
Hadleigh is an ancient market town in Suffolk, East Anglia, England. Guthrum, King of the Danes, is said to be buried in the grounds of St. Mary Church in the town.[citation needed] He was defeated by King Alfred in the 9th century.
Hadleigh has a 15th century timber-framed Guildhall and many fine examples of timber and brick listed buildings, some with highly detailed 17th century plasterwork. Most of these buildings can be found in the High Street, Benton Street, and the immediate area of these streets. The deanery, which is next to the church, is a highly distinctive brick building. The Oxford Movement was said to have been founded following a meeting in the deanery.[citation needed] The noted 20th century painter Cedric Morris moved to Hadleigh in the 1930s, living and working at Benton End, a rambling farmhouse on the edge of the town.
The town was famous for its wool and cloth industries.[citation needed] Like its near-neighbour, East Bergholt, Hadleigh was also known during the 16th century for its Protestant radicalism,[citation needed] 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 Hadleigh Show, first held in 1840 and also known as 'the May Show', is one of the oldest and most popular agricultural shows in East Anglia.[citation needed]
The town is the home of the noted English poet Pauline Stainer. It is also the location for the headquarters of Babergh District Council.
