Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
by way of shallow passages walled with stones laid in almost identical fashion to many
of the drystone walls seen along the way. No less than 26 burials were found to have
been made in the paired north-east and north-west chambers, and the remains of two
males and two females in the south-eastern chamber.
Cross the stile into the walled enclosure and, having given time to study
this impressive site, go out again by way of a kissing gate in the northern
corner. Bear left and walk first alongside a woodland, then on the right-
hand edge of a hilltop field with tremendous views. Enter a second, slop-
ing field, at the bottom of which you bear left to find another kissing gate
which takes you into woods and down to a country lane. (A short distance
below this lane to the right a clump of conifers marks the site of
Wadfield
Roman Villa).
WADFIELD ROMAN VILLA
Wadfield Roman Villa is hidden from the Cotswold Way by a screen of conifers, but is
representative of several Roman sites in the neighbourhood. Discovered in 1863 by a
farm worker while ploughing, the site was excavated in 1894-5. On an exposed hill-
side overlooking the north-east, the villa consisted of a courtyard, at least two heated
rooms, and two others with mosaic pavements. A shed on the site contains sections of
floor mosaic.
SUDELEY CASTLE
Originally built in the 12th century, Sudeley Castle was rebuilt in 1440-50 by Ralph
Boteler, who became lord chancellor and was made Baron Sudeley. Having created
a magnificent building, he backed the wrong side in the Wars of the Roses and his
property was confiscated by Edward IV. The castle eventually passed into the hands of
Henry VIII, after whose death his widow, Katherine Parr, married Lord Seymour and
came to live here. Shortly after giving birth in 1548 Katherine died and was buried in
St Mary's Chapel. During the Civil War the castle was badly damaged, but the Eliza-
bethan banqueting hall, tithe barn, Portmore Tower and St Mary's Chapel all survive
from Boteler's time. The castle and grounds are open to the public.
Bear left along the lane for a very short distance to a junction. Co
through a gate ahead and wander down a sloping meadow with Winch-
combe seen in the valley below, the Vale of Evesham spreading beyond
that, and the impressive
Sudeley Castle
off to the right. Out of the mead-
ow go onto a drive and follow this to Corndean Lane. Along the lane pass
