Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
a few houses, then go through a kissing gate on the right and keep ahead
along the lefthand edge of a field. On coming to a second kissing gate
maintain direction across a meadow to its far left-hand corner where you
come onto a road. Turn left, cross the little River Isbourne and walk up
Vineyard Street into
Winchcombe,
arriving near the Church of St Peter
(grid ref: 024282). Winchcombe is a pleasant small town with a range of
accommodation, pubs, restaurants, shops, a post office and so on.
There's always something to catch your eye along the Costwold Way
WINCHCOMBE
The town has a number of archetypal Cotswold buildings in typical Cotswold stone.
Once an important Saxon settlement, Winchcombe was the seat of Mercian royalty.
Offa, King of Mercia, dedicated a nunnery here in AD790 and an abbey was established
by his successor, Kenulf, in AD811. Kenulf had a son who was murdered at the behest
of his ambitious sister, and as a consequence of Kenelm's death assorted miracles
were attributed to him which, in turn, made the town a place of pilgrimage. The abbey
has gone, but the Parish Church of St Peter, built in the 15th century, owes something
to abbey money which helped pay for its construction. Among its more notable fea-
tures are the 40 gargoyles that adorn the outer walls. Elsewhere in the town you will
find a pair of wooden stocks outside the Folk Museum, and among its buildings some
fine old inns, Tudor houses and cottages. Tourist information: Town Hall, High Street,
Winchcombe 01242 602925.
