Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Skeletal ruins of Hailes Abbey can be seen from the Cotswold Way
WINCHCOMBE
The largest community so far met on the Cotswold Way, Winchcombe is still only a
small town whose main street is adorned with many archetypal Cotswold buildings in
typical Cotswold stone, although without the overall uniformity and grace exhibited in
such places as Campden, Broadway or Stanton. Once an important settlement, Winch-
combe was the capital of a Saxon shire and seat of Mercian royalty. Offa, King of Mer-
cia, dedicated a nunnery here in
AD
790 and an abbey was established by his successor,
Kenulf, in
AD
811. Kenulf had a son, Kenelm, who was murdered at the behest of his
ambitious sister, and as a consequence of Kenelm's death assorted miracles were at-
tributed to him which, in turn, made Winchcombe 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 to pay for it. Among its more notable features are the
40 gargoyles that adorn the outer walls at gutter level. Elsewhere in the town you will
find a pair of wooden stocks outside the Folk Museum, and among its buildings are
two or three fine old inns, and Tudor houses and cottages with roses growing at their
porches. Seen from the continuing route is stands Sudeley Castle, details of which are
given under Section 3. The way out of town is by way of attractive Vineyard Street,
formerly known as Duck Street, after the ducking stool in the River Isbourne. Tourist
information: Town Hall, High Street, Winchcombe 01242 602925.
