Beckhampton

Settlement in Wiltshire

England

Beckhampton

Avebury, dovecote Internal niches still intact, though not obviously occupied, but pigeons appear still to use the building. Mid C16, listed by English Heritage: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=311455&amp;mode=adv" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=311455&amp;mode=adv">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> — Avebury, dovecote Credit: Mike Faherty

Beckhampton is a small village located in the county of Wiltshire, England. It is situated near the famous prehistoric monument of Avebury, approximately 4 miles west of Marlborough. The village lies within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

With a population of just over 100 residents, Beckhampton is a tight-knit community known for its peaceful and picturesque setting. The village primarily consists of traditional stone cottages, giving it a charming and timeless atmosphere. Despite its small size, Beckhampton has a rich history that dates back many centuries.

One notable landmark in the village is the Beckhampton Gallops, a horse racing training facility used by many top trainers in the area. This has made Beckhampton a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Additionally, Beckhampton is home to a number of ancient burial sites and barrows, reflecting its long-standing human presence. These historical sites attract archaeologists and visitors interested in exploring the region's past.

The village is well-connected by road, with the A4 running through it, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The surrounding area offers various recreational activities, such as walking and cycling trails, making it a desirable location for outdoor enthusiasts.

In summary, Beckhampton is a small and tranquil village nestled in the Wiltshire countryside. Its beautiful surroundings, connections to horse racing, and historical significance make it an appealing destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or an exploration of the area's past.

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Beckhampton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.41864/-1.878738 or Grid Reference SU0868. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Avebury, dovecote

Internal niches still intact, though not obviously occupied, but pigeons appear still to use the building. Mid C16, listed by English Heritage: Link

Mike Faherty

Avebury - Behind The Museum

Even at half past one in the afternoon the frost is still on the ground behind the meuseum.

Chris Talbot

Avebury - Museum Gates

These are the gates to the Alexander Keiller Museum.

Chris Talbot

View east from inside the ground floor, Avebury Manor

This is a view out over the relatively informal front garden of the manor.

Brian Robert Marshall

Inside the kitchen, Avebury Manor

Part of the ethos behind the current presentation of the Manor to its visitors is to show it as it might have looked when in its 20th century heyday when owned by its most famous occupier, Alexander Keiller. An amusing detail is this pile of dirty washing-up.

Brian Robert Marshall

Alexander Keiller's sitting room, Avebury Manor

The room has been restored to the appearance it may have had in the 1930s when Alexander Keiller was lord of the manor. In fact none of the furniture and artefacts were here in his day. They were sourced by the BBC and National Trust from wherever they could be found as part of the 'Manor Reborn' project of 2011.

Brian Robert Marshall

Avebury Manor Driveway

Gareth James

Avenue of lime trees at Avebury Manor

Rod Allday

Avenue of trees at Avebury

Avenue of trees at Avebury viewed from the National Trust visitor centre.

Philip Halling

Byway, near Yatesbury

Byway open to all traffic between Yatesbury and Avebury Trusloe. The stand of tall beech trees in the distance marks where the byway crosses the White Horse Trail. Link

Vieve Forward

Dovecote at Avebury Manor

David Martin

Scene near Avebury Manor

A corner of the barn (now part of the visitor centre) and associated buildings, and a giant draughts board.

Trevor Harris

Footpath, tree and stream

Rob Purvis

Track near Avebury Trusloe

Gareth James

Barn near Avebury Trusloe

Gareth James

Remains of a barn near Avebury Trusloe

The barn was in semi-derelict state when photographed in 2010, SU0870 : Semi Derelict Near Windmill Hill and there is now little left.

Gareth James

Avebury Manor

Written by Brian Robert Marshall Avebury Manor is Grade I listed Link

and dates back to the 16th century. It has had numerous owners over the centuries including 20th century archaeologist, marmalade magnate and bon viveur Alexander Keiller who undertook numerous excavations and restorations at the nearby stone circle in the years between the wars. The manor is now owned by the National Trust. In 2011 the Trust collaborated with the BBC to restore the manor and refurnish and redecorate it as it might have appeared at different times during its existence Link

The refurbishment has been carefully carried out with expert guidance but using essentially authentic but not particularly valuable artefacts (other than some new but original artwork). This means that visitors are encouraged to handle them, open drawers and cupboards and sit on chairs and beds. The only restriction on photography is to desist from using flash.

PAUL FARMER