Overview

SAT NAV. GL55 6JE. CHIPPING CAMPDEN The market town of Chipping Campden, old English word was (ceping = market) is in Gloucestershire, and dating way back into the 14th century onwards, where it’s High Street is noticed by its terraced street (photo 1) built from locally quarried Oolitic limestone (a sedimentary rock, which look like small eggs, mainly composed of calcium carbonate and examples of this stone was formed during the Jurassic period, which forms the Cotswold hills ). This honey coloured stone can be seen throughout the Cotswolds on many buildings as we ride along (photo 2). During the middle ages it was a renowned wool trading centre, with traders such as William Greville who died 1st October 1401, and his ledger stone in St James church (photo 3) along Church Street, (SAT NAV. GL55 6JG) describes him as “the flower of the wool-merchants of all England” a influential wool merchant of his time. He was also a citizen of London, as we can see on his ledger stone. He built his home in 1380, now a grade 1 listed building, just where Church Street and High Street meet (photo 4) Known as Grevels House, which is actually the oldest house in the town, although it has been remodelled many times over the years, including today where again the building is undergoing a major renovation which is shown in (photo 5) and it is thought that the front door (on the edge of photo) and the gargoyles (above centre window) are original stonework. The building was not open to visitors at any time as it was a private house. St James church was built in the 15th century (photo 6) and holds a monument in memory of another benefactor of the town, Sir Baptist Hicks who was born in 1548, and he became a wealthy silk and cloth merchant, and in 1612 he provided funds to build the grade 1 listed Almshouse on Church Street (photo 7) for 12 pensioners to live in, and serves that same purpose today. He built Campden House on land he bought after 1608, which stands just outside of Chipping Campden, and his wealth helped to gain him many honours in his service to the crown, becoming the 1st Viscount Campden, and he sat in the House of Commons between 1621 and 1628, and this also helped him gain a vast fortune. Standing close to the church, we can see Court Barn museum (photo 8) a grade 1 listed building, which at one time became derelict before being purchased to become the guild of handicraft trust, registered in 1990, with support from the heritage lottery fund, and created between 2006/2007 it now shows work that encourages craft and design, and is a private museum you may visit. SET SAT NAV. GL55 6HB. BANTAM TEA ROOMS. We now need to drive out of Church Street and TURN LEFT and go along High Street, down as close as you can to the Market Hall and as soon as you find a parking spot, take it, it’s only street parking in town. It’s about time now for mid morning coffee, and we loved the Bantam Tea Rooms, which stands right across the road from the market hall, (photo 9) (READ OUR REVIEW OF BANTAM TEA ROOMS) Opposite, you will see the Market Hall (photos 10 to 13) built in 1627 and still in use today. The idea of the hall was to provide shelter for goods that were being sold and to allow customers to enter to see what was on offer. Wheelchair access has to be up the side street just beyond the hall off High Street (photo 14) and across from Bantam tea rooms (photo 15), and it’s a nice easy ride for you although the paving is not as level as desired in places, but the houses are attractive enough (photo 16) with other little cafes (photo 17) a bit more wheelchair friendly than the Bantam tea rooms, and one or two small shops (photo 18). Departing this attractive and lovely little town, you drive along High Street a few yards (photo 19) before turning left on the Moreton in Marsh sign, and immediately you will pass a few lovely old Cotswold cottages and houses (photo 20) a fine way to leave Chipping Campden. OUR FINAL THOUGHTS It’s a lovely old town, and well worth seeing. It’s very quaint with its honey coloured Cotswold stone.

Transport & Parking

Street parking can be difficult, but you should find a spot somewhere, but it’s a popular town, its a good idea to get there early, especially during the main season.

Access

The town is quite level all around, with narrow pavements which may be cobbled in places, but we found it easy enough to cope with.

Toilets

Did not see public toilets, and none showing on Google maps.

Staff

Photos