Dovers Hill

Heritage Site in Gloucestershire Cotswold

England

Dovers Hill

An orchard near Aston Subedge An orchard near Aston Subedge to the south of Norton Grounds Farm.
An orchard near Aston Subedge Credit: Philip Halling

Dovers Hill is a prominent heritage site located in the county of Gloucestershire, England. This iconic landmark is situated near the village of Chipping Campden and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The hill itself is a natural chalk escarpment, rising to an elevation of 206 meters (676 feet) above sea level. It holds significant historical and cultural importance, as it was the site of the very first Cotswold Olimpick Games in 1612, an event that continues to be celebrated to this day. The games were a series of traditional sporting activities, including shin-kicking, tug-of-war, and jumping contests, which attracted participants from all over the region.

Dovers Hill is also renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife. The steep slopes are covered in lush grasslands, adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the summer months. The area is a haven for various species of birds, butterflies, and insects, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Visitors to Dovers Hill can enjoy an array of recreational activities, such as scenic walks, picnics, and kite flying. The hill is intersected by a network of footpaths and trails, offering panoramic views of the Cotswold countryside. It is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset, when the golden light bathes the landscape in a warm glow.

Overall, Dovers Hill in Gloucestershire is an idyllic heritage site that seamlessly combines history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Its rich cultural significance and stunning vistas make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Dovers Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.06/-1.802 or Grid Reference SP1340. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

An orchard near Aston Subedge An orchard near Aston Subedge to the south of Norton Grounds Farm.
An orchard near Aston Subedge
An orchard near Aston Subedge to the south of Norton Grounds Farm.
Road and gateway at Aston Subedge
Road and gateway at Aston Subedge
Aston Subedge church Aston Subedge church viewed from the south, the undulations in the ground in the foreground suggest this may have been the site of an earlier village.  The church is dedicated to St Andrew.
Aston Subedge church
Aston Subedge church viewed from the south, the undulations in the ground in the foreground suggest this may have been the site of an earlier village. The church is dedicated to St Andrew.
Farmland to the north of Aston Subedge
Farmland to the north of Aston Subedge
Road above Aston Subedge The B4035 passing through a small wood above Aston Subedge.
Road above Aston Subedge
The B4035 passing through a small wood above Aston Subedge.
Road junction on the B4081 Country road junction with the B4081 above Chipping Campden.
Road junction on the B4081
Country road junction with the B4081 above Chipping Campden.
Farmland above Chipping Campden The tower of Chipping Campden church can be seen over the brow of the hill.
Farmland above Chipping Campden
The tower of Chipping Campden church can be seen over the brow of the hill.
Aston Subedge church Aston Subedge church is dedicated to St Andrew and dates from the 1790s.  The church is Grade II* listed.

Historic England description
Anglican Parish Church. 1797. By Thomas Johnson of Warwick for Lord Harroby. Ashlar limestone with purple slate roof. Flat limestone copying at gable ends and heavily moulded stone eaves cornice. Nave and chancel with 3-sided apse. Gothic style with neo-Greek west bellcote. 3-windowed nave. 2 windows light apse. All windows probably C19, pointed with 'Y' tracery. 3 steps up to door in pointed archway in west gable end. Scratch sundial on south wall. Eroded early C19 memorial to members of the Green family of Saintbury on north wall. Decorative ironwork weather vane on bellcote. Interior: Simple nave with barrel-vaulted plastered ceiling and C18 wooden gallery with fielded panelled front supported by wood Tuscan order columns supported on pew backs. Single step up to chancel through pointed arch. Original C18 font inside door. Gallery retains original pews. Other pews C19 except in south east corner of nave where some original along-the-wall seating remains. C18 wood pulpit with tester adjacent. Late C17 tombstones in floor of nave. 3 wall tablets to members of the Harrowby family in chancel. Fittings for gas lighting at east end of nave and on west wall of gallery. (David Verey, The Buildings of England: The Cotswolds 1979)
Source: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1341748" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1341748">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>
Aston Subedge church
Aston Subedge church is dedicated to St Andrew and dates from the 1790s. The church is Grade II* listed. Historic England description Anglican Parish Church. 1797. By Thomas Johnson of Warwick for Lord Harroby. Ashlar limestone with purple slate roof. Flat limestone copying at gable ends and heavily moulded stone eaves cornice. Nave and chancel with 3-sided apse. Gothic style with neo-Greek west bellcote. 3-windowed nave. 2 windows light apse. All windows probably C19, pointed with 'Y' tracery. 3 steps up to door in pointed archway in west gable end. Scratch sundial on south wall. Eroded early C19 memorial to members of the Green family of Saintbury on north wall. Decorative ironwork weather vane on bellcote. Interior: Simple nave with barrel-vaulted plastered ceiling and C18 wooden gallery with fielded panelled front supported by wood Tuscan order columns supported on pew backs. Single step up to chancel through pointed arch. Original C18 font inside door. Gallery retains original pews. Other pews C19 except in south east corner of nave where some original along-the-wall seating remains. C18 wood pulpit with tester adjacent. Late C17 tombstones in floor of nave. 3 wall tablets to members of the Harrowby family in chancel. Fittings for gas lighting at east end of nave and on west wall of gallery. (David Verey, The Buildings of England: The Cotswolds 1979) Source: LinkExternal link
Manor Farmhouse, Aston Subedge An impressive Cotswold stone manor house in the village of Aston Subedge dating from the 16th century.  The garden is also very attractive, laid out in a style contemporary to the house.  In the early 17th century this was home to Endymion Porter, Ambassador to Charles I.  Prince Rupert was a frequent visitor to this house.  The house is Grade II* listed.

Historic England description
Manor House. C16, C17 with C19 modifications. Ashlar centre block, close stud timber frame and coursed dressed stone right wing, left wing of coursed squared limestone, all with limestone slate roof and coped gables, 5 with ball finials. Small brick stack to gable of right wing, central block coursed rubble at back, one flush stack with 3 diagonal flues and two projecting limestone stacks, one 2-flue the other one-flue, all 3 brick. Plan in three parts with early wing projecting right, central block left, with staircase wing projecting forwards left, all forming flat 'U'. Staircase turret projects back left. 2 storeys with attic storey. 2, 3 and 4-light flat-chamfered mullioned casements with leaded lights and transoms on ground and first floors, stopped hood to first floor and gable windows. Continuous string over ground floor windows, returned over first window to left wing, 4-light windows with king mullions. Centre block has 3 Cotswold gables. C19 plank front door off centre left, in chamfered 4-centred flush opening gable to early block right has 2 small single light chamfered casements to attic and remains of window hood in framing concealed by later lean-to attached to left wall. Projecting left wing has principal gable at front and Cotswold gable from eaves left, 2 storeys and attic storey over, 2 windowed, left wall C16 window with 3 slightly pointed, round headed lights. Two 4-light flat-chamfered mullioned casements with king mullions in principal gable, and 2-light flat-chamfered mullioned casements, with transoms to ground and first floors. Left stair turret has 2 small single lights, the lower one pointed. From rear: 2 storey gable left, with C19 casements. 2 storey main body with two 3-light and one 4-light later C16 casements with rounded heads, over; two similar 3-light windows at ground floor, plus one 5-light and one 3-light hollow chamfered, stone-mullioned windows with hood moulds, flanking external stack. Far left set low is blocked C16 single light with cusping, probably originally fire window, but said to have contained effigy. Small door in 4-centred opening centrally. Over this a stone with inscription 'EX DONO/AMANTISSIME MATRIS/DESIDERATISIME/ FRANCISCAE STUART/COMITISSAE DE HARROWBY AD 1855. Interior: Right wing. Tie beams with stepped mouldings and stepped decoration at regular intervals along sides. Square hole, now blocked, possibly for giving alms, in right hand wall obscured by later buildings. Main Block: Large stone fireplace with 4- centred arch, right corner at rear. Main staircase Cl9 (possibly copy of original). Late C16/C17 stone fireplace with roll moulded 4-centred arch in room left of hallway. Room far left has stone fireplace and 4-centre arched doorway to stair turret projection left. C17 dog-leg staircase with turned balusters in forward part of left wing. Ground floor only inspected. First and second floors used as granary/hay loft C19. Endymion Porter (born 1587) an ambassador to Charles I, lived here. Prince Rupert was a frequent guest.
Source: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1341752" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1341752">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>
Manor Farmhouse, Aston Subedge
An impressive Cotswold stone manor house in the village of Aston Subedge dating from the 16th century. The garden is also very attractive, laid out in a style contemporary to the house. In the early 17th century this was home to Endymion Porter, Ambassador to Charles I. Prince Rupert was a frequent visitor to this house. The house is Grade II* listed. Historic England description Manor House. C16, C17 with C19 modifications. Ashlar centre block, close stud timber frame and coursed dressed stone right wing, left wing of coursed squared limestone, all with limestone slate roof and coped gables, 5 with ball finials. Small brick stack to gable of right wing, central block coursed rubble at back, one flush stack with 3 diagonal flues and two projecting limestone stacks, one 2-flue the other one-flue, all 3 brick. Plan in three parts with early wing projecting right, central block left, with staircase wing projecting forwards left, all forming flat 'U'. Staircase turret projects back left. 2 storeys with attic storey. 2, 3 and 4-light flat-chamfered mullioned casements with leaded lights and transoms on ground and first floors, stopped hood to first floor and gable windows. Continuous string over ground floor windows, returned over first window to left wing, 4-light windows with king mullions. Centre block has 3 Cotswold gables. C19 plank front door off centre left, in chamfered 4-centred flush opening gable to early block right has 2 small single light chamfered casements to attic and remains of window hood in framing concealed by later lean-to attached to left wall. Projecting left wing has principal gable at front and Cotswold gable from eaves left, 2 storeys and attic storey over, 2 windowed, left wall C16 window with 3 slightly pointed, round headed lights. Two 4-light flat-chamfered mullioned casements with king mullions in principal gable, and 2-light flat-chamfered mullioned casements, with transoms to ground and first floors. Left stair turret has 2 small single lights, the lower one pointed. From rear: 2 storey gable left, with C19 casements. 2 storey main body with two 3-light and one 4-light later C16 casements with rounded heads, over; two similar 3-light windows at ground floor, plus one 5-light and one 3-light hollow chamfered, stone-mullioned windows with hood moulds, flanking external stack. Far left set low is blocked C16 single light with cusping, probably originally fire window, but said to have contained effigy. Small door in 4-centred opening centrally. Over this a stone with inscription 'EX DONO/AMANTISSIME MATRIS/DESIDERATISIME/ FRANCISCAE STUART/COMITISSAE DE HARROWBY AD 1855. Interior: Right wing. Tie beams with stepped mouldings and stepped decoration at regular intervals along sides. Square hole, now blocked, possibly for giving alms, in right hand wall obscured by later buildings. Main Block: Large stone fireplace with 4- centred arch, right corner at rear. Main staircase Cl9 (possibly copy of original). Late C16/C17 stone fireplace with roll moulded 4-centred arch in room left of hallway. Room far left has stone fireplace and 4-centre arched doorway to stair turret projection left. C17 dog-leg staircase with turned balusters in forward part of left wing. Ground floor only inspected. First and second floors used as granary/hay loft C19. Endymion Porter (born 1587) an ambassador to Charles I, lived here. Prince Rupert was a frequent guest. Source: LinkExternal link
Cotswold stone house, Aston Subedge Cotswold stone house and parish hall, on the right in the village of Aston Subedge.
Cotswold stone house, Aston Subedge
Cotswold stone house and parish hall, on the right in the village of Aston Subedge.
Manor Farm Barn, Aston Subedge Cotswold stone built barn on Manor Farm, Aston Subedge.  The building is Grade II listed.

Historic England description:
Threshing barn with stables left, built as one. Mid to late C19. Coursed squared and dressed limestone with limestone slate roofing. Stables extended back at left end. Barn single storey, stables with hayloft over. Barn: 5 bays, 2 ventilation slits with lattice work grills either side of large, central double door, with segmental purple brick arch with gable over. Similar smaller door to rear. Plank door with segmental brick head far left. Stables: one, 2-light, flat chamfered, stone-mullioned window. Similar flanking double door with segmental brick head in left. Roof timbers of threshing barn C20 queen posts with struts.
Source: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1170698" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1170698">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>
Manor Farm Barn, Aston Subedge
Cotswold stone built barn on Manor Farm, Aston Subedge. The building is Grade II listed. Historic England description: Threshing barn with stables left, built as one. Mid to late C19. Coursed squared and dressed limestone with limestone slate roofing. Stables extended back at left end. Barn single storey, stables with hayloft over. Barn: 5 bays, 2 ventilation slits with lattice work grills either side of large, central double door, with segmental purple brick arch with gable over. Similar smaller door to rear. Plank door with segmental brick head far left. Stables: one, 2-light, flat chamfered, stone-mullioned window. Similar flanking double door with segmental brick head in left. Roof timbers of threshing barn C20 queen posts with struts. Source: LinkExternal link
Gardener's Farmhouse, Aston Subedge Gardener's Farmhouse in the village of Aston Subedge is Grade II listed. 

Historic England description:
Farmhouse. 1631 on datestone left gable end. Late C17 extension at centre to rear. C20 extension rear left not of listable quality. Ashlar limestone ground floor, left gable end and extension at centre to rear. First floor close studded timber framing with rendered infill panels, braced at corners. Continuous moulded limestone string course between limestone ground floor and timber frame first floor. Part of back wall, first floor, red brick. Limestone slate roof. Central group of 4 ashlar limestone chimney stacks. Twin ashlar stack at left gable end. One room deep. 2 storeys and attic lit by 2 gabled dormers from roof. Cellar under right end. 3-windowed. Large C20, 2 and 3-light mullioned and transomed metal casements with leaded lights. 2-light, flat chamfered stone-mullioned cellar window, now blocked, lower right. Stone mullioned windows with stopped hoods in left gable end also. Single, 3-light, ovolo moulded, wood mullioned window, now blocked in right gable end. Two steps up to 6-panel C19 door in with rool moulded surround, off centre left. 
Source:<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1088538" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1088538">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>
Gardener's Farmhouse, Aston Subedge
Gardener's Farmhouse in the village of Aston Subedge is Grade II listed. Historic England description: Farmhouse. 1631 on datestone left gable end. Late C17 extension at centre to rear. C20 extension rear left not of listable quality. Ashlar limestone ground floor, left gable end and extension at centre to rear. First floor close studded timber framing with rendered infill panels, braced at corners. Continuous moulded limestone string course between limestone ground floor and timber frame first floor. Part of back wall, first floor, red brick. Limestone slate roof. Central group of 4 ashlar limestone chimney stacks. Twin ashlar stack at left gable end. One room deep. 2 storeys and attic lit by 2 gabled dormers from roof. Cellar under right end. 3-windowed. Large C20, 2 and 3-light mullioned and transomed metal casements with leaded lights. 2-light, flat chamfered stone-mullioned cellar window, now blocked, lower right. Stone mullioned windows with stopped hoods in left gable end also. Single, 3-light, ovolo moulded, wood mullioned window, now blocked in right gable end. Two steps up to 6-panel C19 door in with rool moulded surround, off centre left. Source:LinkExternal link
Cotswold stone house Cotswold stone house in the village of Aston Subedge.
Cotswold stone house
Cotswold stone house in the village of Aston Subedge.
Newly built house in Aston Subedge A newly built Cotswold stone house in village of Aston Subedge, as yet the stone has not had time to weather and mellow to the famous Cotswold stone honey colour.
Newly built house in Aston Subedge
A newly built Cotswold stone house in village of Aston Subedge, as yet the stone has not had time to weather and mellow to the famous Cotswold stone honey colour.
Cotswold stone cottage Cotswold stone cottage near the war memorial in the village of Aston Subedge.
Cotswold stone cottage
Cotswold stone cottage near the war memorial in the village of Aston Subedge.
War memorial, Aston Subedge
War memorial, Aston Subedge
Gas lamp and Aston Subedge Manor Farmhouse The lamp on the right dates from the 19th century and is Grade II listed.  In the background is Aston Subedge Manor Farmhouse, which is Grade II* listed.
Historic England description
Gas lamp standard. C19. Cast iron. Standard with original fittings by Hardy and Padmore Ltd., Worcester. Adjacent to entrance gate to churchyard opposite Manor Farm. A survival from the period of gas lighting at the church (q.v.).
Source: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1088536" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1088536">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>
Gas lamp and Aston Subedge Manor Farmhouse
The lamp on the right dates from the 19th century and is Grade II listed. In the background is Aston Subedge Manor Farmhouse, which is Grade II* listed. Historic England description Gas lamp standard. C19. Cast iron. Standard with original fittings by Hardy and Padmore Ltd., Worcester. Adjacent to entrance gate to churchyard opposite Manor Farm. A survival from the period of gas lighting at the church (q.v.). Source: LinkExternal link
Cattle feeder A cattle feeder in a slightly sorry state in a field near Glebe Farm, Aston Subedge.
Cattle feeder
A cattle feeder in a slightly sorry state in a field near Glebe Farm, Aston Subedge.
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Dovers Hill is located at Grid Ref: SP1340 (Lat: 52.06, Lng: -1.802)

Administrative County: Gloucestershire

District: Cotswold

Police Authority: Gloucestershire

What 3 Words

///someone.screeches.claim. Near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.06,-1.802
Barrier: kissing_gate
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 52.057512/-1.7961156
Crossing: informal
Lat/Long: 52.0565474/-1.8056744
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.0617698/-1.8017346
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.0616516/-1.8018666
Dover's Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 52.05679/-1.7985158
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.0610963/-1.8025705
Barrier: kissing_gate
Description: This is the preferable entry / access point
Foot: permissive
Note: limit of access land
Lat/Long: 52.0566003/-1.8055932
Man Made: survey_point
Ref: OS S5105
Lat/Long: 52.0571445/-1.7971603
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.0597969/-1.7961221
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.0566654/-1.8059631
Bench
Lat/Long: 52.0571703/-1.7973561
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 52.0571905/-1.8025539
The Lynches
Power: pole
Transformer: distribution
Voltage Primary: 11000
Lat/Long: 52.0610847/-1.8075581
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.0612603/-1.8084352
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 52.0611076/-1.8024411
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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