Abwell

Settlement in Gloucestershire Stroud

England

Abwell

Berkeley Castle View of the castle from the garden. Berkeley Castle was built in 1153 by the Berkeley family who are the present owners. They have resided here for over 800 years. Overlooking the River Severn and the border with Wales, the castle was built as a defence against the Welsh. — Berkeley Castle Credit: Sarah Smith

Abwell is a small village located in the county of Gloucestershire, England. Situated in the picturesque Cotswold district, it is nestled within the rolling hills and verdant countryside that characterizes this region. The village is part of the larger civil parish of Lechlade, which lies about 3 miles to the northeast.

Abwell is known for its tranquil and idyllic setting, attracting visitors who seek respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The village is primarily residential, with a small population that contributes to its close-knit community feel. Traditional stone cottages and farmhouses dot the landscape, adding to the village's charm and rustic appeal.

The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The nearby River Thames, which flows through Abwell, provides additional recreational options, including boating and fishing.

Despite its small size, Abwell benefits from its proximity to nearby towns and villages. The bustling market town of Lechlade, with its range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and pubs, is easily accessible. The city of Gloucester, located approximately 20 miles southeast, offers a wider variety of services and attractions, including historical landmarks and cultural events.

In summary, Abwell is a quaint and picturesque village in Gloucestershire, offering a peaceful retreat in a stunning natural setting. It provides residents and visitors with a serene lifestyle while still benefiting from the amenities of nearby towns and cities.

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Abwell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.705078/-2.4587338 or Grid Reference SO6800. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Berkeley Castle

View of the castle from the garden. Berkeley Castle was built in 1153 by the Berkeley family who are the present owners. They have resided here for over 800 years. Overlooking the River Severn and the border with Wales, the castle was built as a defence against the Welsh.

Sarah Smith

Berkeley Castle - The Inner Bailey

The courtyard is entered by the Bailey Gate just visible. The architecture above the gate is influenced by that of Venice. On the right is the Norman Keep built just after 1154 on the site of the original Norman motte. It was in here that Edward II was imprisoned and murdered.

Sarah Smith

Berkeley Castle - game larder

This is where the game shot on the estate and meat were stored in the open air.

Sarah Smith

Berkeley Castle - terraced garden

The battlements of the castle have been formed into part of the garden.

Sarah Smith

Berkeley Castle - the Bailey Gate

Entrance into the Inner Bailey is through this gate which used to have a portcullis. One can see the slit in the arch where it would have been. The Bailey Gate was built in the 14C.

Sarah Smith

St Mary's Church Berkeley - Berkeley tomb

This is the tomb of Thomas the 8th Lord Berkeley (died 1361) and his second wife Katherine. Thomas was one of two custodians of Edward II when he was imprisoned at Berkeley Castle. While he was absent from the Castle the King was murdered. Thomas was summoned in front of a jury for the murder but was acquitted.

Sarah Smith

St Mary's Church Berkeley - Memorial

On the south wall of the church is a memorial to Dr Edward Jenner, who became famous for his spread of vaccination against smallpox, although the less well-known Benjamin Jesty, a farmer of Yetminster, Dorset, was experimenting with his smallpox vaccinating about 20 years earlier ST5910 : Benjamin Jesty blue plaque, Yetminster and SY9777 : The grave of Benjamin Jesty - Worth Matravers.

Sarah Smith

Pool in gardens at Berkeley Castle

Formerly this was a swimming pool in the Italianate style gardens of Berkeley Castle created for the 8th Earl of Berkeley in the early 20th century. These days it is an ornate feature of the gardens which you certainly wouldn't want to swim in.

Philip Halling

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle reflected in the former swimming pool in the gardens.

Philip Halling

Berkeley Castle reflected in a garden pool

Berkeley Castle reflected in the former swimming pool in the gardens.

Philip Halling

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle has been inhabited for around 900 years by the Berkeley family. King Edward II was held imprisoned in the castle where he was also murdered in 1327.

Philip Halling

Berkeley Church

The detached bell-tower dates from 1753AD. The church is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin.

mym

Berkeley Castle from the gardens

The scene remains unchanged over many years

Jack Hill

Berkeley: the Market Place & Town Hall

Although only the size of a small village, Berkeley is actually a town with a Mayor and Town Council. The hub of the community is the Market Place.

David Exworth

Winter morning at the Jenner Museum

The home of Dr Edward Jenner, where he successfully experimented with vaccination to prevent smallpox

David Exworth

Green Lane

This public footpath crosses the square diagonally from north-west to south-east. This view is as the path leaves the road in the top north-western corner of the square, just south of Halmore and heads south-east to Breadstone.

David Exworth

Oakhunger Lane Allotments, Hook Street

Berkeley's allotments are in the hamlet of Hook Street, half a mile west of the town centre. This view is looking south, over the allotments towards the ridge of the mediaeval Whitcliff Deer Park. The Pylons carried electricity from the nearby (de-commissioned) Berkeley Nuclear Power Station.

David Exworth