adleigh is an ancient market town. 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 propserity 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 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.
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Hadleigh is one of the most perfect Small Towns in England, with trees, old red brick, flint and plaster and that unassuming beauty of East Anglia which changes to glory in sunlight. Sir John Betjeman.
Hadleigh is about 5 miles from Chelsworth.