Alton Priors

Settlement in Wiltshire

England

Alton Priors

Kennet & Avon Canal Kennet &amp; Avon Canal East of Stanton Bridge — Kennet & Avon Canal Credit: Michel Van den Berghe

Alton Priors is a picturesque village located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Situated near the Vale of Pewsey, it is nestled amidst rolling hills and tranquil countryside, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The village is known for its rich history, dating back to the Saxon period. One of its most notable landmarks is the Church of St. Mary, an ancient building that dates back to the 12th century. This Norman church is renowned for its unique architecture, including a rare double nave and a stunning 13th-century wall painting of St. Christopher.

Alton Priors is also famed for its ancient and mysterious landmarks. The Alton Barnes White Horse, a chalk horse carving on a nearby hillside, is a prominent feature of the area and attracts visitors from far and wide. Additionally, the village is home to the Alton Priors Manor, a beautiful manor house that dates back to the 17th century.

The surrounding countryside offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and birdwatching. The nearby Pewsey Downs National Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna.

With its historic charm, stunning natural beauty, and close proximity to other attractions in Wiltshire, Alton Priors is a delightful destination for those seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of the English countryside.

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Alton Priors Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.358978/-1.840261 or Grid Reference SU1162. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kennet & Avon Canal

Kennet & Avon Canal East of Stanton Bridge

Michel Van den Berghe

Stanton Bridge, Kennet and Avon Canal

Stanton Bridge carries a minor metalled road, so why the 'tank trap' visible on the right is there is a mystery, as clearly it cannot obstruct the passage of the bridge.

Dr Neil Clifton

Downland view, Stanton St Bernard

A view across the Vale of Pewsey towards Salisbury Plain. The group of old farm buildings, left of centre, is beside the footpath between the village and Milk Hill.

Andrew Smith

Main road, Stanton St Bernard

The Pewsey to Devizes road which skirts to the north of the village.

Andrew Smith

Pillbox between Stanton St Bernard and Alton Barnes

Rob Purvis

2009 : Barley and barn, Stanton St. Bernard

Looking west to the north of the minor road between Devizes and Pewsey. Note the glowing colour of the wheat field beyond the barn, this is only seen for a few weeks each year as the wheat ripens.

Maurice Pullin

2009 : Crop sprayer and crop, Stanton St. Bernard

A field of barley to the north of the village. Is the harvest about to start? No! It's a crop sprayer, as pointed out by two kind Geographers. The combine will not be there for another 6 weeks at least, had to make a smart move to let him enter the field.

Maurice Pullin

2009 : Minor road near Stanton St. Bernard

Looking toward Alton Priors and Pewsey. Woodborough Hill SU1161 is on the skyline, it's clump of trees is a distinctive landmark.

Maurice Pullin

2009 : Farmland north of Stanton St. Bernard

The harvest has started, note the vehicles approaching the distant barn. I think it is barley they are bringing in, much too early for wheat. Milk Hill SU1064 is behind the barn to the right and Tan Hill SU0964 to the left.

Maurice Pullin

2009 : View from the minor road north of Stanton St. Bernard

Barley near ready for harvesting. A somewhat grubby white horse (grey horse?) looks down from Milk Hill. When it is clean and gleaming boaters on the Kennet & Avon Canal coming from Devizes know they are not far from Honeystreet (one word) when they see it.

Maurice Pullin

2009 : View over a field of barley

Of a distant barn. The simplicity of this shot appealed to me. Milk Hill is in the distance to the right. Had to wait about half an hour for the clouds to be in the right position.

Maurice Pullin

Farmland north of Stanton St Bernard

The farmland is arable. In a few weeks it might be possible to identify the crop that is starting to germinate. The white horse in the background is this one SU1063 : Alton Barnes White Horse. This image has been got at by a blogger but that's OK Link

Brian Robert Marshall

The road to Alton Barnes

The road is seen here as it heads east for another kilometre before reaching Alton Barnes. There are a couple of WWII pillboxes visible in this image. The tree clump on the skyline marks the location of Woodborough Hill 2.6 kms away SU1161 : Woodborough Hill south-east of Alton Barnes.

Brian Robert Marshall

Footpath and farmland north of Stanton St Bernard

The flat field in the foreground is in this square. The rest is in SU0963. The western shoulder of Milk Hill slopes down from the right. The footpath can be seen at the lower left leading towards the hill.

Brian Robert Marshall