CLA AGM
Farmers and land owners from across Essex descended on Castle Hedingham yesterday for the County Land Owners and Business Association (CLA) annual general meeting. After the formalities of the morning were completed the guests were treated to a tour of both the majestic Norman Castle as well as the stunning Queen Ann house and landscaped grounds, located in the Outer Bailey.
It has been a long tradition for Gepp Solicitors to sponsor the CLAs AGM and we did so this year alongside Strutt & Parker.
Constructed by Aubrey de Vere in around 1140, Castle Hedingham is possible one of the finest examples of Norman castles there is. As you would expect with a building of this age, the castle has had a rather interesting past but not all of it is associated with knights in armour. For example, during World War 1 the Keep was used as a signalling station to watch for enemy aircraft. The soldiers had built a lookout hut on the roof as shelter. Sadly the stove they lit to keep themselves warm created a spark which lead to a disastrous fire that destroyed the roof and wooden floors. Remarkably the historic Keep stood its ground and survives to this day, a true testament to the design and craftsmanship of the Normans some 880 years ago.
Gepp Solicitors have been providing quality legal advice and support to farmers and land owners for many generations. If you would like to discuss your legal needs both business and private please email our Head of Rural Services, worthye@gepp.co.uk
