Pictures of Ashton Keynes

About Ashton Keynes

Few would imagine the tiny stream running along the main street of the village to be part of the mighty River Thames. Here the river, still in its infancy, ripples delightfully under a series of small stone footbridges, used by villagers to access the handsome houses, situated on either side of the tree lined road.

For centuries a settlement has stood on this spot. The village was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086 when it was called Essintone. For over 800 years the village had several name changes, until around 120 years ago when it was named after the Keynes family, who owned most of the land in the 13th-century.

In the 19th-century, the women of the village were engaged in a thriving cottage industry-beautiful hand made gloves were sewn in almost every home, but there are sad tales of children sewing for so long and being too weary to attend school! The pay was as low as 4 pence a pair, times were harsh and often this was the only way some families had of earning a living.

A special feature of the village is the medieval church of the Holy Cross. It is an arcaded church with massive rafters and many beautiful stained glass windows. The exterior is adorned with gargoyles and in the quiet churchyard there are interesting tombs and graveside commemorative tablets. A medieval stone cross, one of four in the village, has been removed to a position in the churchyard where it makes a fine war memorial.

Enchanting properties can be found round every corner of this lovely English village. There are picturesque cottages and impressive Georgian houses built of glowing Cotswold stone. All have pretty country gardens, and some have lawns, reaching almost to the waters edge. Ashton Keynes is fortunate, it is twice blest, it has the waters of a youthful Thames flowing through its streets and all the glories of the Cotswold Water Park are on its doorstep. It is a place which is indeed worth more than a second glance!

For those who prefer a more bustling atmosphere the Roman town of Cirencester is within easy driving distance as is South Cerney in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park.