In 1424, William Clopton, Lord of Toppesfield Manor, granted a guildhall and land to the town of Hadleigh, the rent to be one red rose per annum.
Each year the payment of a red rose is made by the Mayor of Hadleigh who places the rose on the tomb of Sir William Clopton.
It is considered to be the oldest rent still paid anywhere in the United Kingdom.
