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The village is at its best in the early morning, when the air is fresh and when there
is no traffic, either pedestrian or vehicular. In this shot the early morning sun shines through the site of the old parsonage gatehouse, to highlight the stonework on the west side of 'The Street'. Note the absence of television aerials or of street lighting. |
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The tomb of a knight, inscribed Walter de Dunstanville 1270, may be seen within the
church. He is in armour with his legs crossed at the knees, indicating that he fought in
two crusades. The lion at his feet indicates that he died in battle. Above the tomb the window shows some of the coats of arms of lords of the manor. |
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The Manor House has its origins in the fourteenth century, however much of todays's
facade is the work of the nineteenth century owners George Poulett Scrope and Edward
Chaddock Lowndes. Today it is a luxury hotel, surrounded by 26 acres of parkland. |
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In the Middle Ages sittings of the Leet Court were held at the half timbered Court
House. In the middle of the street can be seen the 'Butter Cross'. This was used as a mounting block for horseriders, and is believed to have been built with stones from the parsonage gatehouse, which was demolished in 1836. On this site, until 1840, when it too was demolished, stood the Market House, an impressive half timbered building dating from the 15th century the upper floor serving as a guildhall. Note the pump at the Market Cross, used for many years to dispense water to the village. |
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The Packbridge forms an attractive feature as it crosses the Bybrook. Looking at the gentle current today, it is difficult to believe that the Bybrook once flowed with sufficient force to provide power to numerous mills. Indeed there is evidence of at least 20 mill sites down the Brook, before it joins the Avon at Bathford. Colham Mill still stands, just outside today's village, and was mentioned in the Domesday book. The stepping stone weir and sluice in the grounds of the Manor hotel, are all that remain of what was Castle Combe Mill. |
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A fall of snow blankets Water Lane. The 'town' bridge was of timber construction until
replaced by stonework in the eighteenth century. Iron grids can be seen hanging from the
downstream parapet over the bridge arches. These were to prevent deer escaping from the
Manor Park. The stonework alongside water lane was built by the Doctor Dolittle film makers to simulate the harbour of Puddleby on Sea. |
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The Old Rectory. Scrope's history refers to a letter of attorney concerning 'dilapidations of the parsonage' dated 1543. At the front left may be seen the remains of a pillar of the parsonage gatehouse demolished in 1836. The property once included a tithe barn, but this was demolished in 1950 to make way for the village hall. |
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The Old Post Office. Situated at the bottom of The Street, this 15th century Weaver' cottage with 17th century dormer windows, is now a gift shop and gallery. |
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Around the village there are many excellent country walks. This image shows a section
through Parsonage Wood. From here, some 50 metres above the valley floor, are excellent
views of the village. A terrier of glebe lands, dated 1671, shows that some four acres of this wooded hillside, were the property of the Rectory of Castle Combe. |
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The Roman Bridge marks the end of the main village. So named because, according to
legend, the ghost of a Roman soldier has been seen standing guard. Cross the bridge and follow the path for a scenic walk, through the Bybrook valley, to the village of Long Dean. The valley has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, and a variety of wildlife, including deer, may still be seen. |
