One of the castles that is featuring in our forthcoming conference, Above and Below: the archaeology and history of Essex castles, is Pleshey. Set in the rolling Essex countryside, with it’s encompassing town enclosure, Pleshey is a classic motte and bailey castle. Not only is it a good looker but it was also at the centre of some extraordinary events, something which its current peaceful nature might belie.

We asked Nick Wickenden, one of the speakers on Pleshey and current President of the Essex Society for Archaeology & History, to give us a taste of Pleshey’s interesting past.

‘Yes, the history of Pleshey is absolutely fascinating and I could go on but I will keep this very brief! Firstly, on Christmas Eve 1215, French mercenaries, acting on behalf of King John, took the Castle. So much for his acceptance of the Magna Carta! And secondly, in 1397, Dick Whittington, in his role as Mayor of London, arrived at Pleshey to escort the Duke of Gloucester away – ultimately to his doom. It is not known whether he was accompanied by his cat, but many animals will feature in the talk.’

For more information and to book a ticket, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/above-and-below-the-archaeology-and-history-of-essex-castles-tickets-648794641237