Gloucestershire Group: Visit to Bradenstoke

Event details

Saturday 21 October, 11am - 3pm

Meeting point: Cross Keys Pub carpark, Bradenstoke, SN15 4EL

Tickets: £8 (lunch purchased separately) 

This wonderful Grade II* medieval building at Bradenstoke, near Lyneham, Wiltshire, is actually three separate houses, having been separated in the 17th century from one large ecclesiastical house. The building was used by the Priory as a guesthouse for visiting monks and pilgrims.

Today two of the three houses are run by a community group and are in a near untouched condition, as no major modernisation has ever been carried out. The owner who bought them in 1966 recognised their history and the value of the place and is now giving them to the community to be run as a museum.

There are little details everywhere, such as mason's marks, witches marks, detailing in the woodwork, Tudor wall paintings (discovered behind 16th century panelling), feet treads in the stone, finely finished and very beautiful. The majority of the timber beams have been dendro-dated to 1525. The house is also full of interesting artefacts on display belonging to the owner, which includes a hand carved 12th/13th century wooden church font. 

Itinerary

We will meet in the car park at the Cross Keys Inn. Numbers in the house are limited, so we will split into two groups:

• Group 1 will split in two again, to take a guided tour of the house with volunteer Kev Smith, and a self-guided tour of other medieval buildings in the village.
• Group 2 will walk or drive (1/2 mile) to the ruins of Bradenstoke Priory where they will be met by Betsy Bond, the Priory Guide.

We will meet back at the Cross Keys Inn for lunch (to be purchased individually on the day). After lunch the groups with swap over. We expect to finish 2.30-3pm.

Please note that the houses have steep uneven stairs. 

Nearby attractions

• The REME Museum is a 5 minute drive from Bradenstoke. 
• Avebury Stone Circle and Museum and Silbury Hill is a 15-20 minute drive.

Multiple bookings

As long as there is space on the event, we usually allow you to book for both yourself and a guest. When completing the booking form, you will be asked to select the number of people and put in your own details on the first page, then to put in your second person's details on the next page. The event fee shown on each of these pages is for the individual person - you will be shown the total amount due once you get to the summary page.

About the Gloucestershire Regional Group

Lynne Pardoe, Group Organiser, says "It was ten years ago when I came to live in Gloucestershire and, surprised by the absence of a SPAB group, I started one. Since then it's gone from strength to strength, with a steady core of regular attenders and an ever-changing background of newer members. Since I don’t work in the field of conservation I rely on suggestions to arrange visits which don’t usually open for the public and thankfully, because I’ve been running it so long people know me and will make suggestions, or offer up their own properties for a visit. I love this."

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.