Sitting on a high plateau and bounded to the north by the Golden Valley and the River Frome, to the west by the Nailsworth stream and south by the Avening stream is the old market town of Minchinhampton. This area was a strategic one in pre-Roman times, as the extensive earthworks hereabouts testify, and may once have been a tribal capital. The town grew up around the old main road from London/Cirencester to Stroud where it crossed the Tetbury - Stroud road. Recorded as Hampton in the Domesday Book it was given by William the Conqueror - the land had been held by King Harold - to the Nuns at Cean in Normandy; the prefix to the towns name was derived from 'Monchina' (from 'Monacha' = Nun). The town gained a market from 1269, during the Middle Ages it became a centre for sheep farming and the wool and cloth trades predominated. The expansion of the town beyond the medieval market place occurred during the 17th century when many fine buildings were constructed including the Market House, set on pillars with shaded shelter below for the sale of dairy produce and public rooms above it is a fine example of its type. Holy Trinity Church dates from the 12th century and is cruciform, with a central tower topped by a truncated spire with a 16th century coronet, the transept is 14th century; only the tower and transept survived the 1842 re-building. The main road lost most of its importance in 1814 when the new Stroud - Cirencester road was built along the Frome Valley, the old toad was later truncated by the building of Aston Down Airfield. Some new houses were added in the early 19th century and in the 20th century the town was considerably enlarged when many bungalows and houses in the Cotswold-style were built on the west side.
Dentist
Minchinhampton Dental Practice
Doctor
Golf Club
Minchinhampton (New Course)
Minchinhampton (Old Course)
Market
Performing Arts
Pub and Bar
Crown Inn
Old Lodge Inn
Weighbridge Inn
Self-Catering
Shops
Taylor & Sons (Butchers) Ltd
Janet Francis Florist
Tobacconist Farm Shop
Places to Stay near Minchinhampton
Trap House Court (0.07 miles)
Our holiday let is a beautiful newly built terraced cottage in a courtyard setting. Recently finished to a high standard, it offers contemporary accommodation in the heart of the historic ... More
Forwood Farm (0.43 miles)
A warm welcome awaits at Forwood Farm
A beautiful 17th Century Cotswold country house recently totally renovated
to a high standard offering luxurious ensuite accommodation. Forwood
Farm enjoys a most beautiful and peaceful ... More
| visit website
Burleigh Court Hotel (0.78 miles)
Nestling on the edge of a steep hillside overlooking the Golden Valley, this 18th century Cotswold stone manor house is a hidden gem in the heart of Royal Gloucestershire.
Renowned for its ... More
The Old Lodge (1.08 miles)
The Ragged Cot (1.42 miles)
Ragged Cot Inn (1.42 miles)
Dating in part from the 17th Century, The Ragged Cot enjoys modern facilities while retaining the charm of a traditional Cotswold Inn. Set beside 600 acres of National Trust common land and ... More
Amberley Inn (1.45 miles)
Egypt Mill Hotel and Restaurant (1.51 miles)
This luxurious 16th century riverside hotel and restaurant is situated in the unspoilt Cotswold town of Nailsworth. The Egypt Mill Hotel provides the ideal setting for a memorable stay or ... More
Bear of Rodborough (1.61 miles)
In the historic south-west corner of the Cotswolds, high above Stroud on the wilds of Rodborough Common, stands the handsome Bear of Rodborough Hotel. Originally built in the 17th century, this former coaching inn provided ... More | visit website
Pretoria Villa (2.53 miles)
Brit Quote: |
On this day: |