Once famous for its wool cloth, Hadleigh is a remarkable mix of old and new. Over 600 years ago Hadleigh was among the most important wool and market towns in the area, and by the 16th century only nearby Ipswich and Bury St. Edmunds were richer. At the heart of Hadleigh is a rich and important architectural history with origins in Saxon times. Once a royal town for the 9th century Danish King Guthrum the council for British Archaeology placed Hadleigh amongst the 51 towns "so precious that ultimate responsibility for them should be a national concern".

One of the most famous citizens was Dr. Rowland Taylor who, as rector was burnt at the stake on Aldham Common for refusing to allow Mass to be celebrated in the church during the reign of Queen Mary I. The exact spot is marked by a large stone, an inscription and the date 1555. William Pykeham, another well-known name, built the Deanery Tower, close by the church and provide almshouses. He is commemorated by a street named Pykeham Way.

The Corn Exchange, funded by voluntary subscription, was built in 1813 and after various uses is now restored and occupied by the Social Services. Close by is the market place which in earlier days saw regular cattle and livestock markets on Mondays. Agriculture and cloth then formed the basis of Hadleigh's success. Two industrial estates have brought modern industries to the area.

For all the modern developments in Hadleigh, the old charm is still there. Timber framed houses and decorative plasterwork are well featured particularly in the main street were the ancient and modern are combined in perfect harmony.