On the eastern escarpment, towards the southern end of the Cotswolds lie the "Sodburys; Chipping, Old & Little. Occupation of this land stretches back to at least 1000 B.C. Known to the Saxons as "Soppan Byag" = Soppan`s Land, the land was granted to Eanbald in 500 AD and by the Conquest was one of the estate`s confiscated from Eorl Britric and was given to William de Gros a relation, by marriage, to William the Conqueror. At Little Sodbury is to be found a hill-fort (the fort is on private land so access is limited), Ancient British in origin the fort has played host to several armies; the Romans modified it for their own use; the Saxons camped here before the Battle of Dyrham in 577 and during the "Wars of the Roses", Edward IV used it just before the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Little Sodbury Manor House, notable for it`s medieval remains and quite outstanding 15th century Great Hall, played host to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. It was also here, in 1522, that William Tyndale, whilst employed as tutor to the owners son, commenced his translation of the bible into English. St.Adeline`s church at Little Sodbury is the only church dedicated to this saint, she is the patron saint of Flemish weavers, who settled in this area. About three miles to the south is the town of Chipping Sodbury , the largest of the Sodburys; founded as a market town in 1150 and situated towards foot of the escarpment, the town grew up around a long market square (the Chepynge), know as Broad Street, this wide street (one of the widest in Britain) is lined with Georgian and 17th century houses and shops. Granted a charter by Charles II in 1680 and run by a Mayor but, at the request of the residents, this was rescinded ten years later and the town was governed by a Bailiff and other officers elected by the court of the Lord of the Manor. The market was well known for the sale of Wheat and Cheese, brewing was also a large employer and there were also merchants dealing in Lime and Coal, Iron Ore was quarried nearby and the Town benefited from the many travellers who passed through the town. It was at Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club the Dr.W.G.Grace (probably the most famous name in sport) played his early cricket as did most of the Grace family. To the east of Chipping Sodbury further up the hill is Old Sodbury, older than its larger neighbour the village lay on an old coaching route. In the churchyard of St.John the Baptist there are several old "Bale Tombs" of rich merchants some dating to the early 19th century, and fine views over the Seven Plain towards Bristol. The church, transitional in style houses several monuments including a 14th century wooden effigy of a knight, the fine timber Lynch Gate also serves as the war memorial. The crenellated tower on the hillside above the village is a ventilation shaft for Sodbury Tunnel and was designed Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Great Western Railway. The Sodburys offer the visitor a mixture of both ancient and modern with a fine selection of small shops and cafes and with the Frome Valley Walkway and the Avon Cycleway passing through the area make it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the Cotswolds.
Pub and Bar
Bell Hotel
Dog Inn & Restaurant
Places to Stay near Old Sodbury
Sodbury House Hotel (0.58 miles)
Cross Hands Hotel (0.62 miles)
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Queen Elizabeth ll stayed at The Cross Hands during a blizzard in 1981. It is a charming old posting house dating from the 14th ... More
Moda Hotel (1.68 miles)
Rounceval House Hotel (1.78 miles)
It is rumoured that ... More | visit website
Best Western Compass Inn (1.87 miles)
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The Best Western Compass Inn stands in 6 acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of the countryside, situated on the edge of the Cotswolds the walking is ... More
Hinton Grange Hotel (3.19 miles)
Set amongst 6 acres of grounds in a sleepy village, yet only 5 minutes from junction 18 of the M4 and 8 miles from both Bath and Bristol; this hotel ... More
Bodkin House Hotel (3.24 miles)
This charming 17th century inn is full of historic character, furnished with oak panelling and boasting open fires and flagstone floors. Comfortable bedrooms combine traditional style with modern facilities. The restaurant and lounge are attractively decorated, ... More | visit website
The Buthay Inn (4.77 miles)
Traditionl Inn with 6 letting rooms. All major credit cards accepted.
The Buthay inn is a traditional inn located in the peaceful town of Wickwar. It offers a ... MoreRangeworthy Court Hotel (4.91 miles)
This 16th Century Manor House Hotel welcomes you to enjoy good food, excellent service and our warm, friendly atmosphere. We pride ourselves in offering a 'home from home' experience to ... More
Lord Nelson Inn (5.10 miles)
The Lord Nelson can be found in the delightful village of Marshfield, 5 miles north of Bath, offering comfortable accommodation in beautifully refurbished ensuite rooms. A Grade II listed building, beautifully presented, this 17th century inn ... More | visit websiteBrit Quote: |
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