It takes a brave man to declare a place "the most beautiful village in England" but William Morris, the 19th century designer, writer and one of the founders of the Arts & Crafts movement, did just that in describing Bibury, the small Cotswold village some 5 miles (8k) northeast of Cirencester. Bibury consists of two villages bisected by the River Coln Arlington, on the southwest bank and Bibury, on the northeast side. Occupation in the area dates back to at least the Iron Age, the remains of a hill fort "Rawbarrow Camp" overlook the village and a Roman villa was found in 1880 nearby. The village clusters around a square near St.Mary`s, a church of Saxon origin, some of the original Saxon remains are now hosed in the British Museum but the church has a fine collection of sheep corbels, showing the importance of the wool trade in the area. Arlington Row, probably the most photographed row of cottages in England, can be traced back to 1380 when they were built as monastic wool stores; they were converted into Weavers cottages in the 17th C. The small water meadow across the river is known as Ruck Island - the island is not accessible - was once used by the weavers of the Row to dry their cloth. In a village of superb buildings every one can tell a story; the Catherine Wheel pub dates from the 16th C; The Swan Hotel is another 17th century building by the river and was a popular place when King Charles attended the local Bibury races, and Bibury Court a magnificent Jacobean mansion built in 1633, now converted into a hotel. The Trout Farm founded in 1902 is home to several million fish in the hatching season and Arlington Mill Museum dates back to the 17th century, it traces the history of the mill through photographs,and working machinery. That old William Morris knew a thing or two!
Attraction
Doctor
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
Shops
Present Time
The Diane Breen Gallery
Places to Stay near Bibury
Bibury Court Hotel (0.09 miles)
Probably the best kept secret in the Cotswolds, Bibury Court Hotel offers the ultimate in peace, tranquility and comfort. Set in 6 acres and bounded by the River Coln, the Court is a beautiful ... More | visit website
Swan Hotel (0.30 miles)
The New Inn At Coln St Aldwyns (1.95 miles)
Barnsley House (2.93 miles)
Hare & Hounds (3.73 miles)
Waiten Hill Farm (3.92 miles)
Lady Lamb Farm (3.98 miles)
Bull Hotel (4.07 miles)
An historic 15th century family run hotel in the south Cotswolds. Run with charm and warmth expected from an hotel of this calibre.
This historic 15th century family run hotel is situated in Fairford's famous ... More | visit website
Masons Arms (4.31 miles)
The Masons Arms is the quintessential english pub set in the heart of the cotswolds and we provide the perfect base for exploring all that the local area has to offer. all rooms are en-suite ... More | visit websiteCrown of Crucis (4.37 miles)
The Crown of Crucis is to be found in a picturesque village setting in the beautiful South Cotswolds near the town of Cirencester known as Corinium in its heyday of ... More
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |