The UK is full of charming market towns, but Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire has been described as the ‘most beautiful village street now left on the island’
The Cotswolds’ rolling hills are frequently hailed as a sight to behold, along with the many beautiful market towns nestled within them. Chipping Campden, often dubbed the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Cotswolds, is a must-see for history buffs and admirers of quintessentially British towns.
This ancient English settlement was first inhabited in the 7th century. The term ‘chipping’ denotes a market, and the town’s historic Market Hall, constructed in 1627 by Sir Baptist Hicks, was used for selling cheese, butter and poultry. Tucked away in the town is the Church of St James, reputed to be one of the finest examples of ‘wool churches’ in the Cotswolds, built using funds from the town’s thriving wool trade. Inside the church, you’ll discover one of the oldest altar tapestries and the largest brass in England.
Chipping Campden High Street is regarded as one of the UK’s most appealing streets, boasting beautiful terraced buildings that date back to the 14th century, reports the Express. Most of these structures are crafted from Cotswold stone, and the street itself was designed by Hugh De Gondeville, a close confidant of King Henry II.
De Gondeville recognised the need for a market to boost Royal revenues and laid out the street in a burgage style. The old-fashioned term ‘burgage’ refers to a rental property in a town, owned by a king or lord during medieval times. Typically, it consists of a house on a long, narrow plot of land, fronting onto a narrow street.
Historian George Macaulay Trevelyan was enamoured with the high street, having hailed it as “the most beautiful village street now left on the island”. Often chosen as a backdrop for television magic, the town of Chipping Campden graced the 1972 film ‘The Canterbury Tales’, its flawless historical charm and the epitome of English elegance making it an ideal locale for time-honoured narratives.
A wander through Tripadvisor reveals a barrage of glowing testimonials for the town, with visitors typically enraptured by its stunning beauty. Tripadvisor user Nicola H couldn’t hide her admiration, writing: “Chipping Campden is my favourite town in the Cotswolds. It has a worldly feel with a few up-market tourists, but it has never been busy or crowded. The main street has some wonderful places to stay including the Noel Arms which welcomes dogs.”
She continued extolling its virtues, saying, “In summary, Chipping Campden has a quiet vibe, still a town for locals, exquisitely beautiful, calm and enough to keep the visitors happy.” Adding to the chorus of praise, TeamWard expressed: “Simply England in a beautiful setting, classic style, well-maintained plenty of character, with some local shops all offering a great visit”. For those in search of the archetypal chocolate-box English town steeped in history, Chipping Campden stands tall amongst the finest.
