Leonard Stanley

Settlement in Gloucestershire Stroud

England

Leonard Stanley

Severn Water The end of the road from Stanley Downton where it meets the Bath Road. Frocester Hill rises in the background and the Stonehouse Wheelers local cycle club is on the way to Cam. — Severn Water Credit: Peter Kwan

Leonard Stanley is a charming village located in the county of Gloucestershire, England. Situated approximately four miles southwest of Stroud, this small yet vibrant village is nestled in the picturesque Stroud Valley. With a population of around 1,200 residents, Leonard Stanley exudes a close-knit community atmosphere.

The village boasts a rich history, dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Its name originates from the Old English words "Leofwine's farmstead," showcasing its agricultural heritage. Today, Leonard Stanley retains much of its rural charm, with a mix of traditional Cotswold stone cottages and more modern homes.

The heart of the village is centered around the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, a Grade II listed building that stands as a testament to the village's historical significance. A primary school, playgroup, and local pub, The White Hart, are integral institutions within the community.

Nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding countryside, with pleasant walks and stunning views that stretch across the Stroud Valley. The nearby Cotswold Way offers an excellent opportunity to explore the region's scenic beauty.

Leonard Stanley benefits from its close proximity to Stroud, where residents can access a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The village also benefits from good transportation links, with easy access to the M5 motorway and regular bus services.

Overall, Leonard Stanley is a delightful village that combines a rich history, a strong sense of community, and beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal place for those seeking a tranquil and picturesque setting to call home.

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Leonard Stanley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.729988/-2.284142 or Grid Reference SO8003. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Severn Water

The end of the road from Stanley Downton where it meets the Bath Road. Frocester Hill rises in the background and the Stonehouse Wheelers local cycle club is on the way to Cam.

Peter Kwan

Stanley Downton Sewage Treatment Works

All the sewage from Stroud, Stonehouse and surrounding area ends up here, I believe. It's located down the valley from Stroud, to allow the sewage to flow downhill, and is far away from human habitation for obvious reasons!

David Gruar

Frocester Court

The gatehouse to Frocester's manor house and associated farm. This lane would probably once have been the private drive to the house, but now has a number of private properties adjoining it and has been converted into another village street.

David Gruar

Houses on the outskirts of Frocester

A couple of semi-detached houses on the Frocester to Nympsfield road

David Gruar

Pasture below Frocester Hill

Looking north-west from just below Hill Farm. Most of this land is grazed by cattle or horses. The hills of the Forest of Dean can be seen on the horizon.

David Gruar

Beard's Mill, Leonard Stanley

Martin John Bishop

Railway bridge

Grade II listed railway bridge, east elevation. English Heritage listing information says it was "built about 1844 for Bristol and Gloucester Railway. Punched limestone; top of parapet rebuilt in brick. Round-headed arch with plain band over. Splayed retaining walls. One of the original bridges in a relatively intact state." Pylons marked on the map can also be seen in the photo. Beyond the yellow car is the boundary of Stanley Downton sewage treatment works.

Caroline Tandy

Frocester Court Tithe Barn

The Cruck-Built Barn of Frocester Court Farm is thought to have been constructed in the 13th Century. The roof is a reconstruction of the original that perished in a fire early in the 16th century.

Symon Parsley

War Memorial, Frocester Crossroads

The War Memorial stands on the left and in the background is The George Inn

Philip Halling

Frocester Church

This small church is situated behind the George Inn and is dedicated to St Andrew.

Philip Halling

The George Inn, Frocester

The George Inn at Frocester is situated on Frocester Crossroads.

Philip Halling

Stroudwater Canal culvert under Bristol & Gloucester Line

The original railway bridge over the canal was, if my memory serves me correctly, replaced by this culvert in the 1960s. It probably constitutes one of the most complicated, but by no means insurmountable, challenges to the complete restoration of the canal.

David Stowell

View of St Cyr's Church and a rainbow

Looking across the Stroudwater Canal to the church of St Cyr. This is an unusual dedication for a church in England and probably relates to a child-martyr, also sometimes known a Saint Quiricus, of Antioch. The name is more widely known in France where several settlements share the name, along with a prestigious Military Academy, created by Napoleon Bonaparte and which includes General de Gaulle amongst its past students. St Cyr was also the surname of a famous north American showgirl/stripper of the 1940s and 50s!

David Stowell