Welcome to Hadleigh Farm Estate
The Heritage Open Day 2023 virtual tour of Hadleigh Farm Estate
Here is a summary of the recent September 2023 virtual tour.
The Salvation Army is well-known for its music and work for social justice but why does it have a working farm and what do mountain bikes have to do with it?
Over 130 years ago, William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, initially purchased 3 farms overlooking the river Thames in Hadleigh, Essex as part of his vision for the reformation of social and welfare services.
Contained in his book ‘In Darkest England and The Way Out’, his plan included providing an environment that enabled people disadvantaged by poverty or unemployment to learn new skills and ultimately support themselves and families – giving a ‘hand up’, rather than a ‘handout’.
The farmland was transformed into the ‘Hadleigh Land & Industrial Colony’, comprising working farm, brickworks, market gardens, dairy and Citadel (Church).
Over the years Hadleigh Farm Estate continued to evolve, currently it has: Training Centre, Rare Breeds Centre, working farm and The Hub at Hadleigh Park, creating a unique environment offering a variety of opportunities to the local community and everyone who visits or works here.
Join us on this virtual walk in the steps of William Booth and the early ‘colonists’ and explore the natural beauty of the site.
Enjoy stunning views of the Thames Estuary and Hadleigh Castle, see some of the photos from our exhibition and learn more about how The Salvation Army, Hadleigh Farm Estate and its unique environment has evolved.
The land where the castle stands was given by King John to his chief minister, Hubert De Burgh in 1215. In the 13th century, marshlands would have stretched to the south of the castle, with the tide occasionally reaching up to the base of the hill. The area would have been more wooded than today, but still ideal for a defensive castle. The castle and land was returned to the crown in 1239 and Edward II later used it as a royal residence. It subsequently fell into disrepair and was eventually sold to Lord Richard Rich in 1551, who sold it off for building materials.
The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian church and registered charity, which has been fighting against social inequality and transforming lives for over 150 years.
The Salvation Army expresses its faith through charitable action by working at the heart of communities across the UK and Ireland. We have 650 churches and community centres where we offer friendship, practical help and support to some of the most disadvantaged people in our communities.
Motivated by our Christian faith we offer practical support and services to all who need them, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Our work includes: Homelessness, Modern slavery, Poverty, Addiction, Campaigning and social policy, Older people, Community – debt advice, unemployment, isolation
For more information visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/about-us
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