On our recent outing to Stonehenge and Lacock, we ended the day at a picturesque little village called Castle Combe. There are sometimes regrets that you have about trips, and in this case, we were so sorry that we ended up in the town around dusk, and thus missed some prime time to visit what proved to be a charming surprise. Perhaps if we had eaten a quicker lunch, perhaps if we had walked around Stonehenge just a wee bit faster, perhaps if we had spent less time chasing Harry Potter at Lacock Abbey, and perhaps if we had not stopped to take a photo at the town of Tiddleywink along the way, we would have had more time to enjoy Castle Combe--but how were we to know?
Entering the town I was reminded of what I had read. Castle Combe, only 12 miles from the city of Bath, is considered the southern most town of the Cotswolds Region.
Situated in the very center of town is the 14th century Market Cross with the old water pump beside it. It remains from the time when the privilege of holding a weekly fair was awarded. Imagine merchants coming in from all over the countryside for the big market day.
The church dates from the 12th century
and the graveyard beside it was particularly haunting that day with a sprinkle of snow and the setting sun.
Castle Combe was a center of the wool industry in medieval times
and in recent times has seen the arrival of a new industry--the film industry. Among the films shot here were Dr. Doolittle and most recently The Wolf Man.
The houses are typical Cotswold style, hundreds of years old, and spinsters and weavers would make the cottages their homes. The By Brooke supplied power to run the mills.
Truly a city lost in time, I was afraid we might not ever get back for a visit, but as we were leaving, we spotted the Manor House Hotel, and guess what spreads out behind it?
An incredible golf course! So, guess who is suddenly very interested in another weekend trip???
Maybe we will get back someday....?
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Especially now that you know who has a new club. Beautiful town. I love the Tiddleywink sign. It is worth the delay.
ReplyDeleteso charming. can't believe it is not a set.
ReplyDeleteDebi, Debi, Debi, once again my list of places to see grows. How "oh my goodness" can a place get? I have to tell you something else...Have you read Helene Hanff's "84 Charing Cross Road"? Please do and then read her "Duchess of Bloomsbury Street". They are short, wonderful London-loving reads and I think you would appreciate them. I just finished (devoured) them and will probably blog about them but for whatever silly reason I thought I might tell you about them....Cheers!
ReplyDeleteJenny,
ReplyDeleteThey are on my list! Thanks for the referral. Look forward to the blog you might do about them.
Debi
Years ago, my home was an English Tudor/Cotswold style cottage. Your photos remind me of that house.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your lovely comment on my blog, Debi. Being a newbie to blogging, I'm only now becoming aware of the importance of comments.
I read blogs for quite awhile before starting one, and now realize the importance of commenting and becoming a follower.
Blessings,
Liz
What a cute little village, one of many!
ReplyDeleteDebi~ I am going to put you in my links... so I can remember to hop across the pond occasionally.
That's too funny about the golf course!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe town looks enchanting. Do you know the name of the English town they used in the movie "The Holiday?" It was SO cool. I would love to see it in person. Parts of your town remind me of that one.
I love so much that you are taking advantage of where you are living. You are living so many people's dream. I love experiencing it through blogland!