Pleshey Castle open for Heritage Day

Pleshey Castle will be open for free guided tours on Sunday 9 September as part of the annual national Heritage Open Days, which run from 6 – 9 September supported by English Heritage.

Museums Manager for Chelmsford City Council, Nick Wickenden, will be leading tours which start at the castle at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

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.

Nick commented: “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 semi circle, and the castle is very picturesque, with lovely views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the earthwork. We are very grateful to its private owners for joining in this national scheme, aimed at increasing public access to hidden treasures.”

Places for the tours are limited and must be booked in advance by phoning Chelmsford Museum on 01245 605700.

Chelmsford City Council has arranged free access to Pleshey Castle and Hylands House as part of the scheme. A full programme of events at each participating venue is available at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

1 August 2012