A Brief History of the Village

From burial mounds nearby we know that the site has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was later a thriving Roman village, as is clear from the many finds in the area. It is likely that a church existed in Bibury as early as 750AD and much of the core of the present church is probably of Saxon origin, built in the late 10th century. In the days of King Charles II, Bibury was as well known as Newmarket for its horseracing - so much so that in 1681 the Newmarket Spring Meeting was switched to Bibury when Parliament met at Oxford, less than an hour's drive away. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Bibury prospered due to the wool trade, and it is during that time that many of the stone cottages were built, together with the Swan Hotel and the bridge over the Coln.


Local Attractions (all are a flat, short walk from Sackville House)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arlington Mill - Dating back to the 17th century, the cloth produced at the Arlington Row of weavers' cottages was sent to Arlington Mill for fulling (degreasing).  The history of Arlington Mill can be traced through photographs and documents at the Arlington Mill Museum. Also on display is working machinery illustrating milling and the Victorian way of life. There is a tearoom, gift shop and herb garden.

Bibury Trout Farm - is a working trout farm where visitors  can feed the fish and catch their own at the Beginners' Fishery. Bibury Trout Farm has a gift shop, picnic and play area, fresh and smoked trout and a free car park. Current opening hours are 9am (10am on Sunday) to 4pm. The fishery is closed out of season but the site and the shop remain open.  Telephone 01285 740215 to confirm opening times. http://www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk/services.html

Arlington Row -
Built of local stone in the 1300’s as a monastic wool store, Arlington Row was converted into a row of weavers’ cottages during the 17th century. 

The Cotswold Village of Bibury

Bibury is a charming, typical Cotswold village just a short drive from "The Capital of the Cotswolds", Cirencester.  Bibury was once described by William Morris (1834-1896) as "the most beautiful village in England".  The area is acutally made up of two villages, Arlington on one side of the River Coln and Bibury on the other side.  It is one of the “must see” destinations in the Cotswolds, and has a place on the itinerary of most tour agencies.

Church of Saint Mary - built by the Saxons in the late 10th century, this exquisite setting reads like a textbook of architecture with Saxon, Norman, Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular styles- all beautifully presented. The north Chancel wall of the Church is home to a stained glass window which was designed in 1927 by Karl Parsons and was featured in the 1992 Christmas stamp set issued by the Royal Mail.  The building is superbly maintained and open to the public.

The Swan Hotel is an enchanting 17th century former coaching inn sitting in the heart of the village on the banks of the River Coln. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Manor Court was held at the Swan and not far from the hotel can be found the village lock-up – a small octagonal stone building.  Today however, enjoy luxury accommodation and fine dining.  The perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and restore. http://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/swan/

The Catherine Wheel Pub  is a 15th century inn full of charm and atmosphere. The pub welcomes children and has its own beer garden and outdoor patio for glorious sunny days.  http://www.pub-explorer.com/gloucs/pub/catherinewheelarlington.htm

Bibury Court is a county house hotel nestled in six acres of gorgeous gardens.  Known for its sheer luxury, this venue is the spot for fine dining, accommodation, corporate events, and weddings in Bibury. http://www.biburycourt.com/

Bibury is a popular Cotswolds' visitor attraction that can become very busy on a sunny summer afternoon, and even attracts visitors on the coldest winter day. A lazy summer afternoon wandering among the honey coloured Costwold stone building is as close as you can get to the perfect Cotswold experience.

Further afield you will find the likes of Blenheim Palace, Cotswolds Water Park and Westonbirt Arboretum  or even travel further into Bath, Oxford, Cheltenham or Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, using Sackville House as your home base.

Recommended websites:
Visit www.bibury.com for a comprehensive look at the village!

For other area attractions, visit the Cotswolds Guide  www.cotswoldswebsite.com

Local Dining (all within walking distance of  Sackville House)