Picture taken by Libby
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is the common starting point for walking the Cotswold Way, although if you've started from Bath, it's the end of your journey. Either way, this fine market town represents the essence of the Cotswolds.
Chipping Campden was home to the largest wool market and grew up from the wealth generated by the industry. The town's architecture contains elements of everything you will see along your journey concentrated in one place and many walkers take time to enjoy the town before setting off in earnest.
The town dates back to medieval times and the core layout of the town has changed little from that time. The town's market hall, elevated on an arched base, dates from the 17th Century and is just one of many distinctive and historically listed buildings to be found in the Chipping Campden. The market would have been held in the shelter of the arches to protect the stall holders from the elements.
Chipping Campden's church is a fine example of a church built on the back of the wealth of the wool trade. A fine tower and spacious interior make St James' Church well worth a visit particularly since it contains the largest memorial brass in the county (in memory of wool merchant William Grevel).
Picture taken by Oxfordshire Church Illustrations
The name appears elsewhere as Grevel House and is the oldest building in Chipping Campden (C14th). This wonderful historic building retains many fine features including gargoyles and decorated windows. As with many Cotswold towns, Chipping Campden's wealthy made provision for the poor in the form of almshouses (which are still lived in today). The Alms houses in Chipping Campden were constructed in 1612 by local benefactor Sir Baptist Hicks.
Chipping, in the Cotswolds, means "market" and as well as finding numerous examples of the word in the names of towns, you will also find more than one "chipping" on your travels which survive as open areas many of which still host markets and fairs to this day.
For lovers of antiques, Chipping Campden has a number of antique dealers to choose from selling a wide variety of antique collectables. The town has a good selection of shops to meet material and food requirements for the journey ahead and, if a meal is required before setting forth, several restaurants and tea rooms will provide the necessary "fuel" for your forthcoming journey in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.
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