Pictures of Minchinhampton

About Minchinhampton

Minchinhampton, lies in high ground to the edge of the Cotswold region, above Stroud and the glorious Slad Valley. Uniquely, Minchinhampton is reached only by a narrow winding road that climbs upwards and travels across remote and windswept common land, it is perhaps the least accessible of all Cotswold towns and villages. If it is remote, then Minchinhampton is also tiny. It has narrow streets that are lined with attractive mellow cotswold stone houses and cottages and the High Street shows some fine examples 17th and early 18th-century architecture. Other buildings in the town include the ancient collumned Market House which is late 17th-century, the towns elegant Market cross and the imposing church of the Holy Trinity, which like many other Cotswold churches was built from 'wool money' in the days when the region was awash with wealthy wool merchants. The church originated in the 12th-century, and has been altered, added too, and refurbished many times. Doubtless, the most equisite pieces in the church were at the behest of wool money and this is likely to be true of the glorious 14th-century transcept which has a magnificent rose window and some wonderful stained glass. The church is crowned by a most unusual tower. If churches can be said to be delightful, then this is one, it is well worth a visit.

There are several historic sites in the area, some are on Minchinhampton Common, owned by the National Trust. Rodborough Common has an unusual fort and from here there are spectacular views that extend across Stroud and the Slad Valley. Interestingly, Gatcombe Park, the home of H.R.H. Anne, Princess Royal, is just a short distance from Minchinhampton.

Ancient though Minchinhampton may be, it does have quaint and interesting shops including an antique shop. It is an enchanting little place and well worth a visit