Castle Hedingham, described as home to the best preserved Norman fort in England, offers a model for other British communities through its volunteer-run village shop, which ensures residents—especially older ones—have access to essentials without travelling to a nearby town.
Historic castle at the village's heart
The 110-foot-tall castle, now used as an events venue, was built around 1100 after the area's manor was awarded to tenant-in-chief Aubrey de Vere I by William the Conqueror. Matilda, wife of King Stephen, died there in 1152. Between 1135 and 1154, a succession crisis and civil war between Stephen and Empress Matilda—not to be confused with his wife—became known as "The Anarchy." Later, the castle was besieged in both 1216 and 1217 amid the dispute between King John and rebel barons.
The building enjoyed a long period of relative peace before being handed to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III, after John de Vere, 12th Earl of Oxford, was executed for treason against Edward IV in 1462 during the Wars of the Roses. It was later restored to the de Veres by Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch.
Community pride in the Bell Inn
Walking around the village, history is within reach. Kylie Turkoz-Ferguson, 58, has been tenant of the Bell Inn since 1999 with her sister Penny Doe, 59, who was born in the building. The former coaching inn has its own museum housed in the pub's long room—as far as the sisters know, the only pub in the UK with one.
Volunteer-run shop as a model
The village store in Castle Hedingham is volunteer-run, with volunteers Karen Fuller, 66, and Brenda Gandy, 74, behind the counter. Community was the word on their lips most of all. They spoke passionately about how the store ensures residents have what they need without travelling to a nearby town—toiletries, food, newspapers, sweets, and more.
During a visit, a steady flow of people arrived, including schoolchildren. The dedication and dignity infused into the operation impressed the reporter, who noted other British communities should take note.
Jayne Laken, 61, who works for Kinder Essex, a community-led project launched in 2019 to tackle loneliness and social isolation, summed it up: "It shows that a shop can be put together in a village, and when everyone participates, it can offer a service. Especially for older people, because the transport system is not very good around here. Volunteers vary in ages across the spectrum and we're a very inclusive experience. People feel their custom is valued and they feel welcomed."
