Roundhouse Model Demolished

AN historic visitors’ heritage attraction in Hadleigh Country Park has been dismantled after costs to restore it were said to be “too expensive”.

The Hadleigh Roundhouse, in the country park, has been demolished because it had “reached the end of its natural life span”.

Essex County Council claim that the costs to maintain the re-enactment model of an Iron Age home was “prohibitive”.

As a result, the traditional roundhouse has been dismantled, with no indication of what will take its place.

Hadleigh’s roundhouse was based on a floor plan from an archaeological excavation at Little Waltham, near Chelmsford and was funded by a grant from Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust.

The building consisted of a low outer wall of stakes interwoven with hazel rods, covered in daub, a mixture of clay, sand and straw.

Over 40 roof rafters rested on this wall to meet at an apex, and hazel roof purlins were tied to these rafters and covered in thatch.

Inside were models of people conducting a Saxon life.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “The replica roundhouse at Hadleigh Country Park has been safely dismantled as the facility had reached the end of its natural life span and the cost to restore the roof and building was prohibitive.

“Since its creation, we are proud that the replica roundhouse has been used extensively by children and families, the local community and education providers.

“We are looking to ensure that the local community can continue to benefit from exciting outdoor educational experiences at Hadleigh Country Park.”

REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON.

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