Pictures of Lechlade

a Historic Market Town in the county of Gloucestershire

Lechlade Pictures Lechlade Hotels Nearby Towns Nearby Attractions Lechlade Facts Lechlade Forum Lechlade Map Sponsor Registration Add Pictures Add town to favourites

About Lechlade

This pleasant little market town, set beside the upper reaches of the Thames, is dominated by the elegant spire of the beautiful parish church of St.Lawrence, so named on the order of Catherine of Aragon and, interestingly, a four hundred year old carved door, leading from the chancel to the vestry, has a carving of a Pomegranite - the badge of Queen Catherine. The church was built in the 15th-century, it is early Perpendicular in style and built of local stone withe exterior being decorated with gargoyles and statues. As with many other Cotswold churches, St.Lawrence's was built through the generosity of local wool merchants. The interior of the church houses some fine treasures of which the most noted is a magnificent brass chandelier which hangs above the centre aisle, made in London in 1730 the chandelier was presented to the church by Mr. Richard Ainge. There are two memorial brasses and both are connected to the wool trade. One is to John Townsend, merchant and woolman who died in 1459, and the other is to John Twynho, who died in 1510 and who is thought to have founded the charity of St.Blaize, patron saint of the wool merchants. Of importance is the poet Shelley's visit visit to the town in August 1815 when he wrote Stanzas in Lechlade Churchyard. His visit is recorded by a plaque and the walk through the churchyard is affectionately called, Shelley's Walk.

For many years Lechlade was little more than a settlement beside the River Thames, however by the 13th-century the town had developed sufficiently to gain both market rights and borough status and it became central to the wool trade when rich merchants moved into the town. Movement of wool and other goods was made easy by the town's position on the Thames. The river is spanned here by Halfpenny Bridge, so called because of the toll once charged to cross it. The toll house still stands on the bridge.
There are pleasant walks beside the river, there is also an attractive and much used Marina and a boatyard from which boats may be hired. Boating from here is a popular pastime.

The development of the town has meant an expanding population and this has called for the building of many new properties. Fortunately for the town the planning has been such that there is a happy blend of old and new, harmonising well together. There remains many fine examples of early architecture to be seen and admired, one of these is the Bapist Chapel, built by William Fox in 1817.and the Round House, on the river, is also worth a visit.

In the lovely open countryside just a short distance from the town you will find two Nature Reserves that are well worth a visit, so to are the gorgeous little Cotswold hamlets and villages that surround Lechlade. Each place has it's own special enchantment, these villages are crammed with delightful honey stone buildings, they are glorious in every way and are truly England's pride.

Planning a visit to Lechlade?
Please support the Pictures of England website by booking your Lechlade hotels & accommodation through this site.

Add town to favourites

History of Lechlade

Recommended towns & villages near Lechlade

	Fairford (4.1 miles, 6.7 km, direction W) Fairford was granted a market charter in the year 1135 but it is believed that village has its origins way back in the Bronze Age. Its beautiful church is world famous for having the most complete set of Medieval stained glass windows of any parish church in the United Kingdom.. Information | Pictures (36) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Coln St Aldwyns (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction NW) This village in the fertile Coln Valley has the prestige of being one of the 10 most desirable villages in England... Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Bibury (7.5 miles, 12.0 km, direction NW) William Morris, the 19th-century artist and poet thought Bibury to be the most beautiful village in England... Information | Pictures (99) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Burford (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction N) Welcome to Burford - an historical market town in the Oxfordshire part of the Cotswolds. With a character all of its own, and a church that is considered to be one of the top 20..... Information | Pictures (112) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Minster Lovell (9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction NE) Minster Lovell, in its beautiful dream-like setting against the gently rising Cotswold landscape, has a history stretching back to Saxon times... Information | Pictures (18) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Lechlade

	Great Coxwell Barn (4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction SE) A 13th-century stone barn... Information | Hotels
	Faringdon Folly (5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SE) .. Information | Pictures (15) | Hotels
	Stanton Country Park & Nature Reserve (6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction S) Evolving from a medieval estate into a 19th century landscaped 'parkland' with sweeping pastures, large lake and semi ancient..... Information | Hotels
	Vale of White Horse (7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction S) The beautiful Vale of the White Horse is the region lying between the River Thames and the Berkshire Downs. It is an area..... Information | Pictures (9) | Hotels
	Tolsey Museum (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction N) The Tolsey Museum can be found in the center of town at the ancient Burford crossroads, the main center of Burfords old market..... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels

Hotels & Accommodation in Lechlade

Lechlade Hotels  Lechlade Cottages  Lechlade Bed & Breakfast

	New Inn Hotel Lechlade, Gloucestershire, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km) Ideally situated on the banks of the River Thames in the market town of Lechlade-on-Thames, this characteristic 17th century coaching inn blends 250 years of hospitality with state-of-the-art comforts... More info and book online..  Price from £50.00
	Buscot Manor Buscot, Oxfordshire, England (1.5 miles, 2.3 km, direction SE) Built in 1692, Buscot Manor is a tranquil estate set in the heart of rural Oxfordshire. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside, guests can enjoy activities such as horse riding, golf, and cycling. Ox... More info and book online..  Price from £75.00
	Chilli Pepper Broadwell, Oxfordshire, England (3.6 miles, 5.9 km, direction NE) This 16th-century inn is situated in the picturesque village of Broadwell in the Cotswolds. Guests can go horse riding, walking, and cycling in the surrounding area, and there is free Wi-Fi and free p... More info and book online..  Price from £75.00
	The Highworth Hotel Highworth, Wiltshire, England (4.3 miles, 7.0 km, direction S) Set within an elegant Georgian Townhouse in the centre of Highworth, The Highworth Hotel overlooks a historic high street and is situated on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beau... More info and book online..  Price from £48.00
	The Jolly Tar Inn Hannington, Wiltshire, England (4.5 miles, 7.2 km, direction SW) This pretty bed and breakfast serves seasonal, home-cooked dishes in its lovely conservatory restaurant. Free private parking is provided and Highworth town centre is just 5 minutes’ drive away.... More info and book online..  Price from £45.00

Nearby travel help