Hadleigh Library - 01473 823778 hadleigh.library@libher.suffolkcc.gov.uk

Hadleigh - Haeth (heather) and leah (clearing). In Domesday, Hetlega.

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. He was defeated by King Alfred in the 9th century.

Hadleigh was one of the East Anglian towns that derived its prosperity from its wool and cloth industries. It 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 in 1833 following a meeting in the deanery. Like its near-neighbour, East Bergholt, Hadleigh was also known during the 16th century for its Protestant radicalism, Rowland Taylor, a noted preacher from the town, was martyred during the reign of Queen Mary I. The town 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.

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.

The noted 20th century painter and plantsman Cedric Morris moved to Hadleigh in the 1930s, establishing the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing at Benton End, a rambling farmhouse on the edge of the town.

The town is the home of the noted English poet Pauline Stainer. It is also the location for the headquarters of Babergh District Council and where British extreme metal band, Cradle of Filth were formed.