Compton Bassett Park

Downs, Moorland in Wiltshire

England

Compton Bassett Park

Track, Compton Bassett A footpath heading towards the northern end of the village.
Track, Compton Bassett Credit: Andrew Smith

Compton Bassett Park is a scenic and picturesque park located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Situated on the downs and moorland, the park offers visitors a diverse and captivating natural environment to explore.

Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Compton Bassett Park is known for its rolling hills, open grassland, and heathland. The park's landscape is characterized by the presence of various flora and fauna, including wildflowers, gorse, and heather. This rich biodiversity makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of activities and recreational opportunities. There are well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the park while enjoying a leisurely stroll or more challenging hikes. The park also offers designated areas for picnicking and birdwatching, providing a tranquil and serene setting for relaxation.

One of the standout features of Compton Bassett Park is its stunning panoramic views. From certain vantage points, visitors can admire the surrounding countryside, including the nearby ancient sites such as Avebury, Silbury Hill, and the West Kennet Long Barrow.

Compton Bassett Park is easily accessible, with ample parking available for visitors. The park management ensures the facilities are well-maintained, including clean and well-equipped restrooms and picnic areas. Additionally, there are information boards throughout the park, providing educational insights into the local history and ecology.

Overall, Compton Bassett Park offers a remarkable natural experience, with its diverse landscape, captivating views, and abundant wildlife. It is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the Wiltshire countryside.

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Compton Bassett Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.439598/-1.9562574 or Grid Reference SU0371. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track, Compton Bassett A footpath heading towards the northern end of the village.
Track, Compton Bassett
A footpath heading towards the northern end of the village.
Farmland, Compton Bassett A cereal crop on flat arable land above the villages of Compton Bassett and Cherhill.
Farmland, Compton Bassett
A cereal crop on flat arable land above the villages of Compton Bassett and Cherhill.
A4 in Cherhill, looking east
A4 in Cherhill, looking east
Entering Compton Bassett
Entering Compton Bassett
The Leaning Tower of Cherhill The 15th century tower has developed a lean over the years. Check it against the main roof line which is more or less horizontal.
The Leaning Tower of Cherhill
The 15th century tower has developed a lean over the years. Check it against the main roof line which is more or less horizontal.
South porch, Church of St James, Cherhill The origins of the church are 12th or 13th century. The porch is 15th century.
South porch, Church of St James, Cherhill
The origins of the church are 12th or 13th century. The porch is 15th century.
East inside the Church of St James, Cherhill The interior of the church is quite restrained and parts are relatively modern. The stained glass and the reredos behind the altar date to the early 1930s.
East inside the Church of St James, Cherhill
The interior of the church is quite restrained and parts are relatively modern. The stained glass and the reredos behind the altar date to the early 1930s.
Further east inside the Church of St James, Cherhill Although the church has its origins in the 12th or 13th century much of what can be seen here is 20th century. The stained glass and reredos are from 1931. The brass chandelier is circa 1700 and came from Calne Church in 1853.
Further east inside the Church of St James, Cherhill
Although the church has its origins in the 12th or 13th century much of what can be seen here is 20th century. The stained glass and reredos are from 1931. The brass chandelier is circa 1700 and came from Calne Church in 1853.
Banner, Church of St James, Cherhill The banner appears to be of fairly recent origin. It illustrates local landmarks and land uses.
Banner, Church of St James, Cherhill
The banner appears to be of fairly recent origin. It illustrates local landmarks and land uses.
Reredos, Church of St James, Cherhill The finely-carved oak reredos dates from 1931. It was given to the church by Maud Starky in memory of her late husband and two sons who all predeceased her. There is an inscription carved into the edge of the shelf which reads in part "In Memory of George Bayntun Starky, 1858-1926, Walter Bayntun Starky, 1886-1930, James Bayntun Starky, 1889-1916 ". Thanks to Gerry Cullen for this information <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://bayntunfamilyhistory.com/Home" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://bayntunfamilyhistory.com/Home">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> More about the church below.
Reredos, Church of St James, Cherhill
The finely-carved oak reredos dates from 1931. It was given to the church by Maud Starky in memory of her late husband and two sons who all predeceased her. There is an inscription carved into the edge of the shelf which reads in part "In Memory of George Bayntun Starky, 1858-1926, Walter Bayntun Starky, 1886-1930, James Bayntun Starky, 1889-1916 ". Thanks to Gerry Cullen for this information LinkExternal link More about the church below.
West inside the Church of St James, Cherhill The pews are from 1853 when the church was substantially restored. The west gallery is from 1840 and is supported on iron columns. The Gothic panelled front is said to be recycled 15th century bench ends.
West inside the Church of St James, Cherhill
The pews are from 1853 when the church was substantially restored. The west gallery is from 1840 and is supported on iron columns. The Gothic panelled front is said to be recycled 15th century bench ends.
Font, Church of St James, Cherhill The font may be from the 15th century but re-worked since then.
Font, Church of St James, Cherhill
The font may be from the 15th century but re-worked since then.
South porch and tomb, Church of St James, Cherhill This is another view of the south porch which dates to the 15th century. The table tomb in front of it is one of four listed Grade II <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=316232" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=316232">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> This appears to be the Pottow monument described as follows: 'Pottow monument, later C18 with raised fielded centre plaque each side flanked by fielded strips. Baluster angles, moulded base and cornice with pulvinated frieze. South inscription to H. Pottow, died 1788'
South porch and tomb, Church of St James, Cherhill
This is another view of the south porch which dates to the 15th century. The table tomb in front of it is one of four listed Grade II LinkExternal link This appears to be the Pottow monument described as follows: 'Pottow monument, later C18 with raised fielded centre plaque each side flanked by fielded strips. Baluster angles, moulded base and cornice with pulvinated frieze. South inscription to H. Pottow, died 1788'
Church of St James, Cherhill The church's origins lie as far back as the 1300s but over the years it has been extended and restored. The south porch and aisle were added in the 15th century as was the tower. The subtle differences in roofing materials and roof line on the main roof indicate where the nave joins the chancel.
Church of St James, Cherhill
The church's origins lie as far back as the 1300s but over the years it has been extended and restored. The south porch and aisle were added in the 15th century as was the tower. The subtle differences in roofing materials and roof line on the main roof indicate where the nave joins the chancel.
Tombs and gravestones, Church of St James, Cherhill The three table tombs are listed Grade II <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=316232" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=316232">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> has the details.
Tombs and gravestones, Church of St James, Cherhill
The three table tombs are listed Grade II LinkExternal link has the details.
View south from the Church of St James, Cherhill Cherhill is a compact but elongated village just north of the A4 between Calne and Beckhampton. It has a recorded history as far back as 1377. In more recent years its population has risen and fallen in line with the histories of the now-extinct RAF bases at Compton Bassett and Yatesbury. In 1918 the Co-operative Wholesale Society purchased the estate that included Cherhill. Anecdotal evidence is that the CWS couldn't make their holdings of around 4600 acres pay and sold the lot in 1929-1930. Tenants of the various cottages were able to purchase the freeholds at a discount and many of them did it seems. Much more here <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://history.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getcom.php?id=50" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://history.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getcom.php?id=50">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
View south from the Church of St James, Cherhill
Cherhill is a compact but elongated village just north of the A4 between Calne and Beckhampton. It has a recorded history as far back as 1377. In more recent years its population has risen and fallen in line with the histories of the now-extinct RAF bases at Compton Bassett and Yatesbury. In 1918 the Co-operative Wholesale Society purchased the estate that included Cherhill. Anecdotal evidence is that the CWS couldn't make their holdings of around 4600 acres pay and sold the lot in 1929-1930. Tenants of the various cottages were able to purchase the freeholds at a discount and many of them did it seems. Much more here LinkExternal link
North elevation, Church of St James, Cherhill Although the church has its origins in the 12th or 13th century, much of the external appearance is 15th century. The north vestry is however largely 19th century (the chimney is probably rather more recent).
North elevation, Church of St James, Cherhill
Although the church has its origins in the 12th or 13th century, much of the external appearance is 15th century. The north vestry is however largely 19th century (the chimney is probably rather more recent).
Lych gate, Church of St James, Cherhill The lych gate is surprisingly modern. A wooden plaque within asserts that it was built in 1990 in memory of Donald Pickford on land donated by Dennis Blackford.
Lych gate, Church of St James, Cherhill
The lych gate is surprisingly modern. A wooden plaque within asserts that it was built in 1990 in memory of Donald Pickford on land donated by Dennis Blackford.
Show me another place!

Compton Bassett Park is located at Grid Ref: SU0371 (Lat: 51.439598, Lng: -1.9562574)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire

What 3 Words

///butternut.edgy.blazed. Near Calne, Wiltshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.439598,-1.9562574
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