Visit and Walk – Pleshey

As part of the national Heritage Open Day arranged by the Civic Society, Pleshey Castle will be open for free guided tours on the above date. Nick Wickenden, Museums Manager for Chelmsford Borough Council, will be leading tours which start at the castle. It is intended that the High Country History Group will follow a visit to the castle with an optional walk around Pleshey. “Pleshey Castle is probably Essex’s best example of an earth-built Norman motte and bailey castle. The whole village still lies within its Norman defences which sweep round in a great circle, and the castle is very picturesque, with lovely views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the earthwork. In its heyday, in the 14th century, when the castle was owned by the Duke of Gloucester, Edward III’s seventh son, Pleshey was one of the most important estates in England. We are very grateful to its private owners for joining in this national scheme, aimed at increasing access to hidden treasures.” Nick Wickenden