Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Castle Combe

Castle Combe is a picturesque village in north Wiltshire, England, nestled within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and renowned for its honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages, medieval architecture, and unspoiled historic character, often described as one of the prettiest villages in the country.^[1]^[2] The civil parish had a population of 356 at the 2021 census, with only around 50 residents living in the historic village centre; it remains a living community rather than a preserved museum, though no new houses have been constructed in its historic core since the early 17th century.^[2]^[3] The village's name derives from a Norman castle built in the 12th century atop a site with earlier Roman and prehistoric occupation near the ancient Fosse Way road, though little of the castle remains today.^[4] During the medieval period, particularly from the 14th to 17th centuries, Castle Combe prospered as a center for the wool trade, with weavers' cottages and a woollen mill shaping its economy and landscape; the associated museum closed in 2011.^[4] Key landmarks include the 14th-century Market Cross in the village center, which symbolizes its market heritage, and St. Andrew's Church, featuring 13th-century stained glass windows, a Perpendicular Gothic tower, and one of England's oldest surviving mechanical clocks from the late 15th century.^[2]^[4] The 14th-century Manor House, now a luxury hotel, further exemplifies the village's noble past, with the barony once held by influential families like the de Dunstanvilles in the 12th century.^[1]^[4] Castle Combe's history also includes turbulent episodes, such as a notable 1947 auction of the entire village by the Lord of the Manor due to high maintenance costs, which led to private ownership of its cottages.^[4]^[5] In 1960, its buildings were designated as architecturally and historically significant, enforcing strict preservation rules that have maintained its timeless appeal.^[5] The village gained modern fame as a filming location for productions like War Horse (2011), Stardust (2007), Doctor Dolittle (1998), and The Wolf Man (2010), drawing tourists to its cinematic streets.^[4]^[1] Adjacent to the historic core lies the Castle Combe Circuit, a motor racing track on a former World War II airfield, adding a contemporary contrast to the village's heritage focus.^[1]

Geography

Location and Transport

Castle Combe is situated in north Wiltshire, England, approximately 5 miles (8 km) northwest of the town of Chippenham and 12 miles (19 km) northeast of the city of Bath. The village lies on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, within the designated Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a protected landscape spanning over 800 square miles of rolling hills and historic settlements. This positioning places Castle Combe at the intersection of rural tranquility and accessibility to major regional centers, making it a gateway to the broader Cotswolds region.^[6]^[7] The civil parish of Castle Combe encompasses an area of 6.257 square kilometers (2.42 square miles) and includes the core village and surrounding rural areas. These areas contribute to the parish's dispersed rural character, with the Bybrook River forming part of its western boundary. The parish's extent supports a mix of farmland, woodland, and built heritage, reflecting the area's agricultural heritage.^[8]^[9] Transport to Castle Combe relies on regional connections, as the village lacks its own railway station. The nearest rail access is at Chippenham station, roughly 5 miles southeast, which serves the Great Western Main Line with direct, frequent trains to London Paddington (journey time about 1 hour 15 minutes) and Bristol Temple Meads (about 30 minutes). Bus services, primarily route 95 operated by Faresaver, provide links from Chippenham (every 20-30 minutes, 20-25 minute journey) and Bath (via Chippenham, total about 1 hour), with limited daily departures to accommodate the village's quiet nature. Road access is via the B4039, a rural B-road connecting to the A429 and A420, facilitating drives from Chippenham or Bath in under 30 minutes; however, on-street parking in the village is severely restricted to maintain its unspoiled aesthetic, prompting recommendations for public transport, cycling, or taxis.^[10]^[11]^[2]

Setting and Landscape

Castle Combe is situated in a narrow valley carved by the By Brook, a tributary of the River Avon, with steep hillsides formed from oolitic limestone characteristic of the Cotswolds outcrop.^[12] The village lies at an approximate elevation of 400 feet (122 meters) above sea level, contributing to its sheltered yet elevated position within the undulating terrain.^[13] This topography creates a dramatic setting where the brook meanders through the valley floor, flanked by rising slopes that enhance the intimate scale of the landscape. The surrounding area features rolling Cotswold hills, the meandering By Brook, and pockets of ancient woodlands that add to the natural diversity and scenic quality.^[14] These elements form part of the broader Cotswolds landscape, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 to protect its outstanding scenic value, including the harmonious integration of natural and historic features.^[15] The AONB status underscores the region's rolling hills and river valleys as vital for biodiversity and visual tranquility. To preserve the honey-colored stone aesthetic derived from local oolitic limestone, no new buildings have been constructed in the historic core since circa 1600, reflecting strict conservation policies.^[16] However, the landscape faces vulnerabilities from increased traffic, particularly from tourism, and potential development pressures that could disrupt the serene valley environment.^[17]

History

Early History

Evidence of human activity in the Castle Combe area dates back to the Iron Age, with archaeological finds indicating settlement in the surrounding landscape. Landscape features on the edge of Castle Combe point to sustained settlement from at least this period.^[18] Roman occupation in the region is exemplified by a substantial villa located approximately 3 miles northwest at Truckle Hill in North Wraxall parish, excavated starting in 1859 by George Poulett Scrope. The site revealed a complex with 16 rooms, including three with hypocaust heating systems and one featuring a tessellated pavement, alongside mosaic floors dating to the 4th century AD. Pottery evidence indicates continuous use from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, reflecting a prosperous rural estate likely tied to the broader Roman economy, including lead extraction from the nearby Mendip Hills.^[19]^[20] The villa's decline followed the Roman withdrawal around 410 AD, with the structure falling into disuse amid the collapse of centralized Roman administration in Britain. By the late 11th century, the area had transitioned to Anglo-Saxon patterns of land use, as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name "Come." The entry describes a settlement with 33 households (including approximately 5 villagers, 7 smallholders, 13 slaves, 5 cottagers, and 3 burgesses), with 10 ploughlands (4 on the demesne and 6 for the men), 12 acres of meadow, and woodland measuring 1 league by 0.5 league. Valued at £10, the manor was held by Geoffrey de Mowbray, Bishop of Coutances, indicating its integration into the Norman feudal system shortly after the Conquest.^[21]

Medieval Period

The motte and bailey castle at Castle Combe was constructed around 1140 by members of the de Dunstanville family, with Walter de Dunstanville holding the barony until his death in 1270.^[22] Situated on a limestone spur approximately 600 meters north of the village center, the castle featured a prominent motte rising 8 meters high and was enclosed by four baileys, potentially adapting an earlier Iron Age promontory fort.^[22] It served as the administrative seat of the barony during the Norman and early Plantagenet eras, but declined after the de Dunstanville line ended, with the structure largely demolished by the mid-15th century as stone castles fell out of favor.^[22] Castle Combe's feudal economy expanded significantly from the 13th century onward, driven by the wool and cloth trade, under the lordship of influential families such as the Scropes and later the Fastolfs.^[23] A fulling mill was operational by 1340, marking the village's integration into regional textile production, and the industry reached its zenith in the early 15th century when Sir John Fastolf acquired the manor in 1411.^[23] Fastolf, a prominent military figure who amassed wealth through his estates, patronized local clothiers by purchasing large quantities—over £100 worth annually, equivalent to about 40 broadcloths—for provisioning his troops during the Hundred Years' War, which spurred economic vitality and led to the construction of more than 50 new houses.^[23] By the 1430s, Castle Combe cloths, renowned for their fine red and white varieties, were traded at Blackwell Hall in London, with dyeing services extending to external producers.^[23] The 14th-century market cross, a scheduled monument symbolizing the village's wool-based prosperity, stands as a testament to its role as a thriving trading hub during this period.^[24] Key developments included the granting of market rights, which facilitated weekly exchanges and contributed to demographic growth; the 1377 poll tax recorded 71 payers in Castle Combe, indicating a post-plague population of around 150–200 individuals, following pre-plague demographic growth and broader regional expansion.^[25] Concurrently, St Andrew's Church began construction in the 13th century, its founding reflecting the community's rising wealth and feudal stability under baronial oversight.^[26]

Modern History

Following the medieval prosperity of its wool trade, Castle Combe's cloth industry began to decline in the 16th century as production shifted toward larger, mechanized operations in west Wiltshire centers like Bradford-on-Avon and Trowbridge, which utilized water power and greater scale more effectively than the village's traditional manor-based system.^[23] During the English Civil War in the 17th century, the village was occupied by both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces.^[5] By the 18th century, the local textile sector had largely collapsed, leading to economic stagnation and depopulation as workers sought opportunities elsewhere.^[23] The manor of Castle Combe passed into the hands of the Scrope family in the late 14th century and remained under their ownership for nearly 500 years, shaping the village's feudal structure until the estate's sale in 1947. In 1947, due to high maintenance costs, the Lord of the Manor auctioned the entire village, which led to the private ownership of its cottages.^[5]^[4] Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the population dwindled amid industrial decline, reaching 357 residents by the 1901 census.^[27] During World War II, the nearby RAF Castle Combe airfield, established in 1941 on estate land southeast of the village (with development beginning in 1940), served as a satellite training base for No. 9 Service Flying Training School at Hullavington, hosting advanced pilot instruction until 1948.^[28] In the post-war era, the airfield's perimeter track was repurposed into the Castle Combe Circuit, which opened for motor racing on July 8, 1950, under the Bristol Motorcycle & Light Car Club and has since become a prominent venue for British motorsport events.^[29] The Manor House, part of the sold estate, was converted into a country house hotel in 1948, initially operating as an exclusive club before evolving into a luxury accommodation with a golf course.^[30] A small local museum, housed in a historic weaver's cottage and displaying artifacts from the village's textile past, operated until its closure in January 2012 due to the expiration of its lease, with collections moved to storage.^[31] In recent decades, Castle Combe has focused on preservation amid rising tourism pressures, with the parish council promoting responsible visiting guidelines to mitigate issues like traffic congestion and privacy intrusions from drones and social media influencers in the 2020s.^[32] No significant infrastructural or economic shifts have occurred since 2021, maintaining the village's status as a protected heritage site.^[32]

Governance and Demographics

Administration

Castle Combe is a civil parish administered by Wiltshire Council, the unitary authority responsible for the region since its formation in 2009, replacing the previous district and county councils.^[33]^[34] The local governance is handled by Castle Combe Parish Council, which comprises seven elected members chaired by Mr. F. Winup, with support from clerk Sheila Parker.^[35]^[36] The parish falls within the South Cotswolds parliamentary constituency.^[37] The civil parish boundaries encompass the main village of Castle Combe and surrounding hamlets including Long Dean, Tiddleywink, and West Yatton, covering an area of approximately 6.26 km².^[8] The broader By Brook electoral ward for Wiltshire Council purposes extends beyond the parish to include nearby areas such as Luckington, with a total population of 4,617 recorded in the 2021 census.^[38] The parish council prioritizes policies centered on heritage protection to maintain the village's status within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and medieval character, alongside traffic management initiatives to mitigate congestion and safety risks from tourism, such as opposition to parking charges that could exacerbate hazards on narrow roads.^[36]^[39] As a small rural parish without urban development, it operates solely under a parish council structure rather than a town council.^[36]

Population

According to the 2021 Census, the parish of Castle Combe had a population of 357, marking a modest increase from 344 recorded in the 2011 Census.^[8] Approximately 50 residents live in the village center itself, with the majority dispersed across outlying areas of the parish.^[2] The demographic profile shows 52.2% females and 47.8% males, alongside a notably aging population where 51.4% of residents are aged 65 and over.^[8] Ethnically, the parish is predominantly White, comprising 97.8% of the population, with small proportions identifying as Mixed or multiple ethnic groups (2.2%).^[8] Historical population trends indicate a peak of 655 residents in 1831, followed by a decline to 357 by 1901 amid broader rural depopulation patterns.^[27] Numbers fluctuated in the early 20th century, dipping to 322 in 1931 before stabilizing around 350 post-World War II, with minor growth in recent decades. Medieval estimates suggest a population exceeding 500 in the 14th century (detailed in the Medieval Period section).^[27]

Historic Buildings

Listed Buildings

Castle Combe's architectural heritage is preserved through 107 listed buildings, the vast majority designated as Grade II, highlighting the village's enduring medieval and post-medieval character.^[40] Among these, one structure holds Grade I status: the parish church.^[40] The secular buildings, managed under the oversight of Historic England, emphasize the village's wool trade prosperity and rural vernacular architecture, with strict conservation policies prohibiting new constructions in the core area to safeguard the medieval street layout.^[41] A prominent secular landmark is the 14th-century market cross, a scheduled ancient monument located in the village center, originally erected to facilitate weekly markets granted by royal charter in 1273.^[24] Constructed from local Bath stone with a slender octagonal shaft supporting a pyramidal roof, it exemplifies late medieval civic architecture and remains a focal point for community gatherings. The Dower House, a Grade II* listed building dating to the late 17th century, represents the refined domestic architecture of the period, featuring gabled roofs and mullioned windows typical of Cotswold vernacular style.^[42] Built as a widow's residence associated with the nearby manor, it underscores the estate's historical influence over the village landscape. The wool industry's legacy is illustrated by historic mills in the parish, such as Colham Mill (demolished in 1965 but with associated Grade II listed farmhouse) and Lower Long Dean Mill (Grade II listed, operational until 1956), which originated in the medieval period and supported cloth production along the Bybrook.^[43]^[44] These water-powered sites reflect technological adaptations that fueled Castle Combe's economic peak in the 15th and 16th centuries, though operations ceased by the mid-20th century. Over 60 cottages, crafted from the area's distinctive honey-colored oolitic limestone, dominate the village's fabric, with many dating to the 17th and 18th centuries and listed as Grade II.^[40] These include terraced weavers' cottages along streets like West Street and Water Lane, featuring steeply pitched roofs, projecting gables, and simple doorways that reflect the lives of cloth workers, preserving the intimate scale of the settlement without modern intrusions.^[45]

Religious Sites

Castle Combe's religious landscape is dominated by two principal sites that embody the village's longstanding Christian heritage, tracing back to the medieval period when the settlement flourished as a center of wool production. St Andrew's Church, the primary Anglican parish church, originated in the 13th century and stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the community.^[46] The Congregational Church, established in 1743 as a non-conformist place of worship, complements this tradition by reflecting evangelical influences in the area.^[47] These two buildings represent the core active religious venues in the village, with no other operational sites documented.^[48] Both religious sites hold protected status under the UK's heritage system, underscoring their architectural and historical value. St Andrew's Church is designated as a Grade I listed building, the highest level of protection, due to its exceptional medieval features and overall significance.^[49] In contrast, the Congregational Chapel, including its attached manse (converted in 1914), is classified as Grade II listed, recognizing its importance as a well-preserved example of early 20th-century non-conformist architecture.^[50] Beyond their spiritual functions, these sites play vital roles in community life and carry historical connections to the village's wool trade prosperity. St Andrew's hosts regular events such as monthly coffee mornings and Sunday services that foster social gatherings among residents and visitors.^[51] The Congregational Church similarly supports combined interdenominational services, like those on Good Friday, promoting unity and refreshment-sharing among locals.^[52] Historically, wool merchants' philanthropy funded key expansions at St Andrew's, including the 15th-century tower built with donations from prosperous traders like Sir John Fastolf, illustrating how economic success supported religious and communal endeavors.^[26]

Religious Sites

St Andrew's Church

St Andrew's Church serves as the Anglican parish church of Castle Combe, dedicated to St Andrew since its medieval origins. Founded in the 13th century, it became a central institution for the village's wool merchants, who funded significant expansions during the height of the cloth trade in the 15th century.^[53]^[26] The church reflects the prosperity of the local economy, with its architecture evolving to accommodate the community's needs over centuries.^[54] The chancel dates to the 13th century, featuring an exceptional carved arch with statuettes of saints including St Andrew and St James. The nave, originally constructed in the 14th century, was largely rebuilt around 1850-51 due to structural decay, adopting the Perpendicular Gothic style characteristic of late medieval English ecclesiastical architecture. The west tower, a prominent landmark at 80 feet high, was begun in 1434 and completed by the 16th century, boasting a fan-vaulted ceiling, panelled battlements, and pinnacles; it houses a faceless medieval clock dating to the late 15th century, one of England's oldest working examples.^[49]^[53]^[54]^[55] Key features include a 15th-century oak screen separating the chancel from a 14th-century north-east chapel, which contains a c. 1270 painted effigy of knight Sir Walter de Dunstanville and fragments of medieval stained glass. The church also preserves spectacular stained glass in several windows, including 19th-century insertions by Ward and Nixon in the west and east windows, alongside Scrope family armorial glass from around 1851. A 15th-century octagonal font with a priest's book-rest and various wall monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries further enrich the interior.^[49]^[56]^[53] Restorations have maintained the church's integrity, with major work in 1850-51 renewing the chancel fittings and east wall arcade at a cost of £3,000, largely funded by local benefactor G. Poulett Scrope. Further efforts in the 20th century included a £3,000 nave roof renovation in 1962, while recent 21st-century projects addressed the roof and added facilities like a north annex in 2018, supported by grants from the National Churches Trust.^[53]^[26]^[54]

Congregational Church

The Congregational Church in Castle Combe occupies a converted 19th-century malthouse attached to an 18th-century house that serves as the manse, located in the upper part of the village. The site was purchased by the congregation in spring 1903 for £327 and underwent restoration and reconstruction, opening as a chapel in 1914 with added facilities including a schoolroom, vestry, and the manse.^[48]^[50] The building is Grade II listed since 1985 for its special architectural and historic interest, featuring coursed ashlar stonework, a Bridgwater tiled mansard roof on the manse, and glazing bar windows with a circa-1914 front porch on the chapel extension. Its simple interior reflects the practical conversion of an industrial structure for worship, accommodating a modest non-conformist assembly.^[50] This chapel continues a dissenting tradition in Castle Combe dating to the post-Reformation era, when John Cennick first preached there in 1740, leading to informal services in cottages and the construction of an earlier chapel in 1757. The 1914 opening underscores the endurance of the Congregational movement in rural Wiltshire amid early 20th-century social changes. Today, it maintains an active but small evangelical congregation, welcoming visitors for services.^[48]^[47]^[52]

Culture and Media

In Popular Culture

Castle Combe's picturesque Cotswold stone cottages and winding lanes have made it a favored location for filmmakers seeking an idyllic English village setting.^[57] The village served as the fictional Puddleby-on-the-Marsh in the 1967 musical film Doctor Dolittle, directed by Richard Fleischer, where Rex Harrison's character tends to animals amid the quaint streets.^[58] In 2007's fantasy adventure Stardust, directed by Matthew Vaughn, Castle Combe portrayed the village of Wall, featuring market scenes around the historic Market Cross where characters like Charlie Cox's Tristan Thorn navigate the bustling square.^[59] The 2010 horror film The Wolfman, starring Benicio del Toro and directed by Joe Johnston, utilized the village's atmospheric lanes for exterior shots enhancing its gothic tone.^[60] Steven Spielberg's 2011 war drama War Horse also filmed sequences in Castle Combe, capturing the rural English countryside to depict early 20th-century farm life.^[61] On television, Castle Combe provided exterior village scenes for the fifth season of Downton Abbey in 2014, standing in for the show's fictional Yorkshire community with its honey-colored architecture complementing period authenticity.^[62] The village also featured in the 2016 ITV adaptation of Doctor Thorne.^[60] More recently, the Apple TV+ spy thriller series Slow Horses, which premiered in 2022, renamed the village "Upshott" for season two episodes, using its pub and streets for tense espionage sequences starring Gary Oldman.^[63] Beyond screen adaptations, Castle Combe has been celebrated in travel literature as one of England's prettiest villages, with guidebooks highlighting its preserved medieval charm and serene valley setting as quintessential Cotswolds beauty.^[64]

Notable People

Sir John Fastolf (c. 1378–1459), a prominent English soldier during the Hundred Years' War, acquired the manor of Castle Combe in 1409 through his marriage to Millicent Tiptoft, the widow of Sir Stephen Scrope, and retained control until his death.^[23] Although he never resided in the village, Fastolf significantly boosted its economy by promoting the local woollen cloth industry to supply his military campaigns; he purchased over £100 worth of cloth annually from Castle Combe tenants, equivalent to about 40 broadcloths, which stimulated sheep-rearing, attracted clothiers and craftsmen, and led to the construction of around 50 new houses in the village.^[23] His patronage elevated Castle Combe to a center of cloth production, with innovations like gig-mills for finishing textiles and exports to markets such as Blackwell Hall in London, marking the zenith of the local wool trade during the war's later phases.^[23] Fastolf's name endures in literature as the partial inspiration for William Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff in Henry IV (Parts 1 and 2) and The Merry Wives of Windsor, though the fictional figure's cowardice and dissipation contrast sharply with Fastolf's documented bravery at battles like Agincourt (1415) and Verneuil (1424).^[65] In modern times, Castle Combe has no internationally renowned celebrities or figures of widespread fame among its small resident population. Instead, the village is shaped by committed local leaders, such as members of the parish council, who focus on preserving its historic character and managing tourism impacts, alongside participants in nearby motorsport events at Castle Combe Circuit, though no prominent racing personalities hail directly from the community.^[36]

Tourism and Economy

Attractions

Castle Combe's primary attractions revolve around its picturesque High Street, where visitors can admire the 14th-century market cross and the row of honey-colored stone cottages that line the steep, winding road, evoking a timeless Cotswold idyll.^[2] The market cross, a scheduled ancient monument, stands as a focal point for exploration, originally serving as a site for medieval trade and assemblies.^[7] These historic elements draw walkers and photographers seeking to capture the village's unspoiled charm. The By Brook, a serene stream running through the valley, offers tranquil walking paths that highlight the area's natural beauty and seasonal changes, with circular routes extending into the surrounding countryside for gentle hikes amid woodlands and meadows.^[46] These walks provide opportunities to observe local flora and fauna, with paths well-maintained for leisurely strolls lasting from 30 minutes to several hours.^[66] For motorsport enthusiasts, the nearby Castle Combe Circuit hosts exciting events, including the annual CCRC GT Championship races featuring a diverse array of performance cars on its 1.85-mile track.^[67] The circuit, operational since 1950, schedules multiple race days throughout the year and in 2025 celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special display, blending high-speed action with the rural setting.^[68]^[69] Guided history tours allow visitors to delve into the village's medieval past, often starting from the High Street and covering key landmarks with expert narration on its wool trade heritage and architectural evolution.^[70] Film location trails trace spots used in productions like War Horse (2011) and The Wolf Man (2010), offering self-guided or led experiences that connect the village's scenic appeal to its screen legacy.^[71]) Nearby, Lacock Abbey, a National Trust property just three miles away, complements visits with its Gothic abbey and 18th-century grounds, accessible via short drives or walks. Seasonal markets in the village hall feature local crafts, homemade preserves, and baked goods, held on select dates from spring through winter, providing a taste of community life without large-scale festivals.^[72] These events, typically running 11am to 3pm, emphasize handmade items like jewelry and soaps, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for browsing.^[73]

Facilities and Services

Castle Combe's economy is predominantly driven by tourism, featuring a range of hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodations that support the influx of visitors drawn to its picturesque setting. Historically centered on the wool and cloth trade, the village has shifted to a service-based economy where hospitality and related activities form the core of local employment.^[2]^[74] A key establishment is the Manor House Hotel, a 14th-century Grade I listed building offering 62 elegant rooms, fine dining, and an 18-hole golf course set within 365 acres of grounds. The property has been operated by The Manor House Hotel (Castle Combe) Limited since its incorporation in 1988.^[75]^[76]^[77] Visitor and resident services in the village remain limited to preserve its historic character, with amenities including the Old Rectory Pop-Up Tearoom for light meals and teas, and traditional pubs such as The Castle Inn and The White Hart for dining and drinks. A pay-and-display car park on Dunns Lane provides 91 spaces (including one for blue badge holders), alongside public toilets near the village center; no retail shops operate in the core area, with the nearest options in Chippenham approximately five miles away. The village's small museum closed in 2012 after its lease ended, unable to relocate. To address overtourism concerns, local authorities and the parish council promote responsible visiting, including carpooling and public transport from nearby towns like Chippenham.^[78]^[79]^[80]^[81]^[82]^[31]^[83]

References

[1]
Castle Combe - Village in North Wiltshire - Visit Bath
Often named the 'prettiest village in England', Castle Combe is a quintessential Cotswolds village, located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
[2]
Castle Combe - Village - Visit Wiltshire
Castle Combe is a tiny living village, not a film set (though you might recognize it from Stardust, War Horse, and others). Only around 50 people live in the ...
[3]
Castle Combe Village History & More
Nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire, England, Castle Combe is a village steeped in history and charm.
[4]
Wiltshire Villages - Castle Combe, an insiders view. Page 1 - BBC
In 1947 the whole village was put up for auction by the Lord of the Manor. Today all of the houses are in private ownership. The village is at the southern edge ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[5]
How to get to Castle Combe Village
Public transportation involves taking a train from London Paddington to Chippenham, the nearest station, and arranging alternative transport like a taxi or bus ...Missing: links | Show results with:links
[6]
Castle Combe - Cotswolds Tourism
Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village often named as the 'prettiest village in England.' Castle Combe has featured regularly as a film location.
[7]
Castle Combe (Parish, United Kingdom) - Population Statistics ...
Castle Combe, Parish, 334, 344, 357. Castle Combe. 357 Population [2021] – Census. 6.257 km² Area. 57.05/km² Population Density [2021]. 0.37% Annual Population ...
[8]
Castle Combe, Wiltshire - GENUKI
Mar 5, 2025 · The living is a rectory in the diocese of Gloucester and Bristol, value £383, with 25 acres of glebe land, in the patronage of G. Poulett Scrape ...
[9]
Chippenham Station to Castle Combe - 3 ways to travel ... - Rome2Rio
Faresaver operates a bus from Rail Station Forecourt B to Village Centre every 20 minutes. Tickets cost £1–3 and the journey takes 24 min. Bus operators.
[10]
B4039 - Roader's Digest: The SABRE Wiki
Mar 13, 2025 · The B4039 is a short rural B-road in the south Cotswolds. The road starts on the B4040 in Acton Turville. That road passes round the north ...
[11]
[PDF] 3 The Cotswolds Landscape
In the Lam Brook and St Catherine's. Brook character area Oolitic Limestone is a particularly characteristic building material used for both buildings and walls ...
[12]
Castle Combe topographic map, elevation, terrain
Average elevation: 119 m • Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom • Visualization and sharing of free topographic maps.Missing: height above sea level
[13]
Why is Castle Combe Famous? - CotswoldXL Magazine
Stunning Scenery: Surrounded by rolling hills and ancient woodlands, the village offers scenic views and picturesque landscapes ideal for photography and ...What Is Special About Castle... · Faqs · Become A Part Of The...
[14]
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment ...
M3The designation order was confirmed on 19th August 1966 and the variation order was confirmed on 21st December 1990. These orders, which were made under ...
[15]
England's Castle Combe Offers a Magical Escape into a Picturesque ...
Sep 29, 2025 · Remarkably, no new homes have been constructed in the village's historic center since around 1600, preserving its traditional streetscape in a ...Missing: core | Show results with:core
[16]
[PDF] A Summary of Transport and traffic issues in the Cotswolds AONB
The main issues relating to transport and traffic are briefly summarised in this statement. The Transport Policy set out in the. Management Plan is appended to ...Missing: threats Castle Combe
[17]
North Wraxall - Wiltshire Council
Neolithic flint tools and Iron Age brooches were found in the ... At the north east boundary of the parish, where it is separated from Castle Combe ...
[18]
https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/media/1018/Landscape-Type-10-December-2005-1019kb/pdf/lca-dec-05-type-10.pdf
[19]
Historic England Research Records - Heritage Gateway - Results
Summary : Site of a Roman villa at Truckle Hill, excavated in 1859-60 following the discovery of exposed walling after ploughing. A stone coffin had been ...
[20]
History of lead mining | Foundations of the Mendips
Lead mining has been taking place since the Iron Age. However, most mining took places during certain periods, particularly the Roman occupation.Missing: Castle Wiltshire
[21]
[Castle] Combe | Domesday Book
Castle Combe was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the hundred of Thorngrove and the county of Wiltshire. It had a recorded population of 33 households in 1086.
[22]
Motte and bailey castle 600m north of Castle Combe
The importance of the site is enhanced by the wealth of historical documentation available and by the possible association with an earlier Iron Age promontory ...
[23]
The woollen industry before 1550 - British History Online
If evidence is scanty for the five centuries that have been called the Early Iron Age ... Castle Combe seventy-one. In addition, 129 cloths were attributed ...
[24]
Medieval market cross immediately east of St Andrew's Church
Medieval market cross immediately east of St Andrew's Church. Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search over 400,000 listed places ...Missing: charter 1226
[25]
The Late Middle Ages - Wilcuma
157. In 1377 the top 15 towns by numbers of poll-tax payers were. 'Town ... Castle Combe with seventy-one. Production was moving west. Castle Combe, in ...
[26]
The History of St Andrew's Church
On the north side of the church is a superb carved stone monument of a Norman Knight, Sir Walter de Dunstanville, Baron of Castle Combe, who died in 1270.
[27]
https://apps.wiltshire.gov.uk/communityhistory/Census?communityId=46
[28]
Community History - Wiltshire Council
Church of St. Andrew, Castle Combe ; 1891, 459, 264,997 ; 1901, 357, 271,394 ; 1911, 355, 286,822 ; 1921, 363, 292,208.
[29]
Castle Combe - Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust
Now a famous motor racing circuit, flying began at Castle Combe in 1940. The site was used as a satellite for No 9 Service Flying Training School (later No ...Missing: Hartham Park
[30]
Castle Combe - RacingCircuits.info
It opened in 1941, with its perimeter road (now the race track) being laid around the grass runways in April 1943. The base did not become fully operational ...
[31]
THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL, Castle Combe - 1199055
Date first listed: 20-Dec-1960. List Entry ... CASTLE COMBE MANOR HOUSE ST 87 NW 2/106 The Manor House Hotel 20.12.60 (formerly listed as The Manor Hotel)
[32]
Castle Combe's mini museum shuts | The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald
Mar 1, 2012 · However, in November 2011, notice was given to vacate the building by January 1, 2012, and as yet it has proved impossible to find an ...
[33]
Visiting Castle Combe Responsibly
The narrow lanes and peaceful nature of the village are part of its charm – and also what makes it vulnerable to the pressures of over-tourism. By travelling ...
[34]
Wiltshire Council announces new Leader
May 20, 2025 · Wiltshire Council has confirmed the appointment of Cllr Ian Thorn as its new Leader. The decision was made following a vote by councillors.<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Unitary council election on Thursday 4 June 2009 | Results
Jun 4, 2009 · Prospective candidates. Wiltshire has 98 Unitary Divisions. Each division has 1 seat which means that the elections will be returning 98 Unitary ...Missing: authority | Show results with:authority
[36]
Council Members
Parish Council: Mr F. Winup (Chair). Mr J. Mackelden (Vice-Chair). Mr B. Blair. Mrs J. Halliday. Mr S Bettles. Mr G. Clegg Littler. District Councillor:.Missing: civil | Show results with:civil
[37]
Castle Combe Parish Council – Serving the local community
Castle Combe Parish Council. Castle Combe is situated on the southern-most edge of the Cotswolds and is approximately 12 miles from the Georgian city of Bath.
[38]
South Cotswolds: General Election constituency 2024 - BBC News
Jun 25, 2024 · The seat is one of the newly-formed constituencies being fought for the first time this General Election.
[39]
By Brook (Ward, United Kingdom) - Population Statistics, Charts ...
Source: UK Office for National Statistics (web). Explanation: Wards as at December 2022. All area and population figures of wards are based on output areas.
[40]
Castle Combe residents warn of 'death or serious injury' if parking ...
Sep 15, 2022 · Parish councillors in one of Wiltshire's most picturesque villages have warned of “death or serious injury” if car parking charges are imposed.<|control11|><|separator|>
[41]
https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-conservation-areas
[42]
Grade I Listed Buildings in Wiltshire
Grade I Listed Buildings in Wiltshire at British Listed Buildings. ... St Andrews Church, Castle Combe, Wiltshire, SN14; I Church of St Andrew St Andrew's ...
[43]
Conservation areas - Wiltshire Council
The local planning authority have a statutory duty to designate and manage conservation areas under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) ...
[44]
THE DOWER HOUSE, Castle Combe - 1199036 | Historic England
Heritage Category: Listed Building ; Grade: II* ; List Entry Number: 1199036 ; Date first listed: 20-Dec-1960 ; List Entry Name: THE DOWER HOUSE.
[45]
LOWER COLHAM, Castle Combe - 1022854 | Historic England
List entry 1022854. Grade II Listed Building: Lower Colham. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.Missing: Middle | Show results with:Middle
[46]
COLHAM MILL FARMHOUSE, Castle Combe - 1022853
Heritage Category: Listed Building ; Grade: II ; List Entry Number: 1022853 ; Date first listed: 20-Dec-1960 ; List Entry Name: COLHAM MILL FARMHOUSE.
[47]
Listed Buildings in Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Listed Buildings in Castle Combe, Wiltshire · 1, Park Lane · 1-3, West Street · 2 and 3, Water Lane · 2, School Lane · 4, Water Lane · 4, West Street · 5, Water Lane ...
[48]
1-3, WEST STREET, Castle Combe - 1199259 | Historic England
List entry 1199259. Grade II Listed Building: 1-3, West Street. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.
[49]
Things to do in Castle Combe, Cotswolds: A local's guide
Sep 10, 2025 · Castle Combe by public transport. The nearest train station is in Chippenham, with frequent connections to Bristol and London. The Faresaver ...
[50]
Castle Combe - Find a Church - Congregational Federation
Castle Combe (est. 1743). Yatton Keynell Road, Upper Castle Combe, Castle Combe, SN14 7HD. Details. Contact: Christine Molano Email · Section Menu≡ ...
[51]
Congregational Chapel, Castle Combe - Wiltshire Council
The well known non-conformist John Cennick first visited the village in 1740 and preached to a large number of people in the street.
[52]
CHURCH OF ST ANDREW, Castle Combe - 1022864
List entry 1022864. Grade I Listed Building: Church Of St Andrew. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.
[53]
The Manse and Congregational Chapel, Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Dec 9, 1985 · The Manse and Congregational Chapel is a Grade II listed building in Castle Combe, Wiltshire, England. See why it was listed, ...
[54]
Events - St Andrew's Church Castle Combe
We hold coffee mornings several times a year in the church when villagers can get together for a chat over coffee and cakes. Visitors are welcome to join us.
[55]
Castle Combe Congregational Church - Facebook
Castle Combe Congregational Church is an evangelical church in Upper Castle Combe. We welcome visitors and encourage you to come along. .. .. 󱙶. Follow.
[56]
Church of St. Andrew, Castle Combe - Wiltshire Council
The church here was Norman and there is no record of a Saxon church. The earliest structure, the chancel, is 13th century, while the nave was rebuilt in the ...
[57]
Castle Combe St Andrew | National Churches Trust
Key features. Wildlife haven. Spectacular stained glass ; Facilities. Walkers & cyclists welcome. Parking within 250m ; How we have helped this church. Community ...
[58]
St. Andrew's Church in Castle Combe
Experience the medieval charm of St. Andrew's Church in Castle Combe Village ⚔️ from its intricate knight tombs to the faceless clock | Castle Combe England.
[59]
the manse and congregational chapel - Historic England
List entry 1199215. Grade II Listed Building: The Manse And Congregational Chapel. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.
[60]
Top Film and TV Locations in Wiltshire
Nov 4, 2024 · One of the most picturesque villages in Wiltshire and located in the Cotswolds National Landscape, Castle Combe is a favourite for film makers, ...
[61]
Doctor Dolittle (1967) - Movie Locations
Castle Combe is situated on the southern-most edge of the Cotswolds about 12 miles from the city of Bath – and nowhere near the sea. No matter. Doctor Dolittle ...
[62]
Stardust | Film Locations
Stardust filming location: Castle Combe, Wiltshire. Stardust location: the streets of the village of 'Wall': the Market Cross, Castle Combe, Wiltshire. The ...
[63]
Filming location matching "castle combe, wiltshire, england ... - IMDb
1. Stardust. 20072h 7mPG-13 ; 2. The Wolfman. 20101h 43m ; 3. War Horse. 20112h 26mPG-13 ; 4. Robin of Sherwood. 1984–1986TV-PG ; 5. Doctor Dolittle. 19672h 32m ...Missing: culture | Show results with:culture
[64]
War Horse | Film Locations
Film locations for Steven Spielberg's War Horse (2011), on Dartmoor in Devon; in Castle Combe, Wiltshire; and Surrey.Missing: training camp
[65]
UK village where Downton Abbey was filmed has hardly changed in ...
Sep 22, 2025 · The Manor House in Castle Combe, Cotswolds, England, UK. Some of Downton Abbey's village scenes were filmed in Castle Combe (Image: Getty).
[66]
Real Slow Horses village hailed 'prettiest in England' but lacking in ...
Sep 29, 2025 · It boasts a population of just 356, as recorded in the 2021 census, and notably, no fresh properties have been constructed in the historic heart ...
[67]
Castle Combe: Travel Guide to England's Prettiest Village
Castle Combe is actually a brilliant place for a date with Mother Nature. You'll plod along footpaths that wind through ancient woodland, rolling hills, and ...Missing: Brook | Show results with:Brook
[68]
Sir John Fastolf | Biography & Facts - Britannica
Oct 29, 2025 · His name is immortalized through William Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff, but the courageous Fastolf bears little resemblance to ...Missing: inspiration credible
[69]
Castle Combe - Wikipedia
With its cluster of Cotswold stone cottages and lack of modern buildings – no new houses have been built in the historic centre of the village since about 1600 ...History · Religious sites · In popular culture
[70]
10 Charming Things To Do in Castle Combe, The Cotswolds
Jun 6, 2024 · Castle Combe village is in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in northwest Wiltshire. The closest town is Chippenham which is ...
[71]
CCRC GTs – Castle Combe Race Circuit
Celebrating its 47th year, 2024, the Castle Combe GT Championship continues, where variety and freedom set the Championship apart.
[72]
History Of Castle Combe Race Track
1950 marked a monumental year for Castle Combe Circuit as it hosted its inaugural race event on July 8th. The circuit quickly captured the attention and ...
[73]
Castle Combe- "Prettiest Village in England" • Cotswolds Tours
Jan 13, 2025 · The church at Castle Combe is a wool church in the first tradition paid for by the local wool merchants and £4000 donated by Sir John ...Missing: philanthropy | Show results with:philanthropy
[74]
15+ Charming Things To Do In Castle Combe Cotswolds (2025)!
Aug 7, 2025 · These are all the amazing things to do in Castle Combe - the ultimate travel guide to the prettiest village in England!<|separator|>
[75]
Castle Combe Market - Visit Wiltshire
Castle Combe Market offers homemade goods, handmade items, and antiques. It's open 11am-3pm on select dates, with free entry and dogs welcome.
[76]
Castle Combe Market - Cotswolds
The market offers handmade items, food, and is located in the village hall, open 11am-3pm on specific dates in September, October, November and December. Free ...Missing: fete | Show results with:fete
[77]
People at work in the UK | KS2 Geography - BBC Bitesize - BBC
A lot of jobs available in Castle Combe are related to tourism. This includes jobs looking after hotels, tea rooms and golf courses.
[78]
The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club - Chippenham - Visit Wiltshire
Rating 4.6 (1,792) · From £265.00 Per room (breakfast included)Set within 365 acres of Cotswold grounds, the 14th century Manor House hotel boasts character with 50 individually designed bedrooms, Michelin starred dining.
[79]
Manor House Hotel Castle Combe Ltd/The - Company Profile and ...
Manor House Hotel Castle Combe Ltd/The was founded in 1988. The company's line of business includes operating public hotels and motels.<|control11|><|separator|>
[80]
The Old Rectory Pop Up Tearoom - Castle Combe - Tripadvisor
Rating 4.9 (284) · $$ - $$$Parking available on site for up to 10 cars. Coaches to use the visitors car park. Bring along your own prosecco to celebrate a special occasion. All special ...Missing: facilities | Show results with:facilities
[81]
The Castle Inn | Pub in Castle Combe, Exclusive Collection
The Castle Inn is a delightful Cotswold country pub and inn set in the heart of the beautiful Wiltshire village of Castle Combe. Book your stay today.Read more · Rooms · Gallery · Packages
[82]
White Hart, Castle Combe - Wadworth
A stunning 14th century pub situated in one of the most picturesque villages in the UK. Just a stones throw from the famous Castle Combe racing circuit.<|control11|><|separator|>
[83]
Parking in Castle Combe - Wiltshire Council
Surface car park outside the main village. Access to village is via a steep incline. Address: Dunns Lane, Castle Combe, SN14 7HU. Spaces: 91 (1 blue badge).
[84]
Public toilets - Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council manages public conveniences at Castle Coombe. All other public convenience services have been delegated to local town and parish councils.
[85]
We live in UK's 'most beautiful village' ruined by tourists filming us ...
Aug 7, 2025 · “We want to to protect what makes Castle Combe special, while supporting responsible tourism that benefits both the local community and economy.Missing: preservation | Show results with:preservation