Hedingham Castle
In Essex (northeast of London)

This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our gentle senses.

Shakespeare, Macbeth

In Oxfordian eyes, Hedingham Castle is Shakespeares's birthplace.

Built in 1140 by Aubrey de Vere (whose father arrived in England with William the Conqueror), it was the home of the de Vere earls of Oxford. Its medieval Banqueting Hall lies within one of the finest surviving Norman keeps.

It is one of few properties that the 17th earl managed not to sell off to pay his astronomical debts.