Shalbourne: Churches, Countryside and Vineyards
Accommodation in Shalbourne
Shalbourne combines architectural history with varied countryside and activities related to winegrowing, cricket and cycling. Chalk and hills shape the landscape in the south of the parish, while extensive woodland lies to the north. Its historic buildings also offer contrasting features, from the Anglican parish church to a 16th-century house.
Churches and historic sites
The Church of St Michael and All Angels is an Anglican parish church with building phases dating to around 1200, around 1300 and from 1871 to 1873. Its origins therefore span several centuries. Inside the church is a limestone wall monument with a Clunch effigy, created in 1562 for Frances Choke of West Court.
A 1932 bronze plaque there commemorates Jethro Tull, the agricultural improver of Prosperous Farm in Shalbourne. Tull lived from 1674 to 1740. The two memorials differ considerably in date and form: the wall monument is from the 16th century, while the plaque is from the 20th century. Both refer to people connected with the history of the place.
St Margaret’s Chapel was built by Bishop Herbert Poore in 1208 beside Rivar Road. Shalbourne Manor Farmhouse represents another chapter in the area’s architectural history: the farmhouse dates from the 16th century and is now a private residence. Thus, Shalbourne’s ecclesiastical architecture stands alongside a building with an agricultural past, although the two do not serve the same function.
The parish landscape
The south of the parish is characterised by the chalk hills typical of Wiltshire. To the north are large areas of woodland, like those typical of Savernake Forest. This contrast describes two distinct landscape character types within Shalbourne: open chalk downland in the south and extensive woodland in the north.
The landscape’s history can also be seen in the former watercress beds. They have returned to a natural state and provide a refuge for local wildlife. They are therefore not still being cultivated, but have become a habitat that has changed since its former use. Carvers Hill Estate lies in the protected landscape of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Wine, cricket and cycling
Carvers Hill Estate offers a guided vineyard tour with wine tasting. If you would like to include this activity in your trip, check the tour schedule before you travel. The tour combines a look at winegrowing with a tasting, setting it apart from the parish’s historical and landscape attractions.
Cricket in Shalbourne welcomes players of all ages and experience levels. Friendly matches take place on Sunday afternoons in summer. Check the latest match dates and arrangements before joining in. For cyclists, the Wiltshire Cycleway is a useful point of reference: The Plough Shalbourne is on this route. Check route conditions before setting off.
For an overview of the wider destination: Wiltshire.
More destinations
More places in the same destination:
