Pictures of Bredon

About Bredon

Bredon sits in a tranquil spot close to the River Avon and just a short drive away from the historic town of Tewkesbury. The lush greenery of Bredon Hill forms a dramatic back-drop to this pretty village which is the start of a string of villages threading their way towards the Cotswolds. The hill rises to 991 feet, it is crowned by Parson's Folly built in the 18th-century within the extensive area of Iron-Age earthworks built during the first century AD to keep the Romans at bay. Apart from the earthworks, much older standing stones can be found, these are a feature of local folklore which decrees if you pass between the King and Queen Stone, you will be cured of all ailments. True or false, who knows but the view from this high point is well worth the steep climb up.

This is a sedate village with a delightful mixture of attractive properties, some are timber-frame black and white with tile-hung roofs, whilst others are handsomely built of mellow Cotswold stone fronted by meticulous lawns, surrounded by golden stone walls with masses of tumbling clematis, wisteria and honeysuckle. The village has a couple of inns, each several centuries old, both are full of character with plenty of old world charm. There is a village store, a shop selling Teddy Bears and an interesting pottery studio.

The village place of worship is the ancient church dedicated to St. Giles. Built between late 12th and mid-13th-century, the church commemorates Bishop Prideaux, who served King James 1 and King Charles 1 as chaplain. It also has magnificent stained glass windows, detached shafts of Purbeck marble supporting the Mitton Chapel, and medieval tiles in the sanctuary. This is a lovely church with a serene atmosphere, well worth seeing and if you do not wish to attend a service, then why not pop in for a few minutes of peaceful reflection.

Bredon is extremely proud of it's 14th-century tithe barn which brilliantly demonstrates the art of the medieval craftsmen. Built of Cotswold stone, the barn has a church-like interior with wide aisles and impressive cowling over one of its five porches. The barn is in the care of the National Trust and is open to public view.

Interestingly, Bredon Hill is immortalised in A.G. Houseman's 'A Shropshire Lad'.

Attractions nearby include: The rivers Avon and Severn, Tewkesbury Abbey, Upton-on-Severn Pepper Pot, The blossom fields of Evesham and Beckford Silk at nearby Beckford.