Latest news with #BattleofNaseby
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Pretty little market 'gingerbread town' that's been named among UK's best places to live
The charming town has been dubbed one of the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its pretty streets, bustling market and affordable property prices Nestled on the banks of the River Great Ouse, a pretty market town awaits visitors looking for a serene day out. Located just 16 miles south of the Royal Family's Sandringham Estate, the charming Norfolk town of Downham Market offers everything visitors would hope to find in a traditional town in rural England. Downham Market was founded during Saxon times, making it amongst the county's most ancient market towns. Throughout the Middle Ages, the town gained recognition for its butter marketplace and horse fair, drawing merchants from across the region. This heritage of hosting magnificent markets continues today, with stallholders catering to customers on Fridays and Saturdays, reports the Express. But the town's historical significance doesn't stop there. During May Day in 1646, it is reported that King Charles I used the town as a hiding place to evade Parliamentary forces following the Battle of Naseby. The King hid in an inn that once stood where the Swan Inn is now located, disguised as a clergyman. Visitors can learn more at the town's Heritage Centre, and will notice diverse architectural designs spanning Georgian and Victorian structures. There are also delightful thatched properties, grounding the town back in its rural setting. The Downham Market Town Hall, erected between 1887 and 1888, serves as the settlement's most notable feature. Construction utilised local white brick alongside carrstone, which was quarried nearby, making the town hall a genuine representation of the area's building traditions. The carrstone usage earned Downham Market the nickname "Gingerbread Town", though few use this term nowadays. In 2013, The Times recognised it amongst Britain's finest places to reside. The location offers superb transport connections, delightful architecture and, importantly, fairy priced housing. Rightmove data shows the average property price over the past 12 months stands at £291,258. As of December 2023, the national average house price in England was £302,000, according to the ONS. Nestled in the stunning Norfolk countryside, Downham Market is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The serene waters of the River Great Ouse wind their way through the town, offering picturesque walking trails and opportunities for boating and fishing. Nearby nature reserves, such as the RSPB's Welney Wetland Centre, provide an opportunity to observe diverse bird species and immerse oneself in the region's natural beauty.
South Wales Argus
29-04-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Swimming pool application for Great Campston mansion
The Welsh prince suffered a defeat in his battle against the English crown and its forces in the Battle of Campstone Hill in August 1404. The Great Campston estate has medieval origins and was one of17 monastic granges belonging to the Cistercian Abbey of Abbey Dore. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, in 1536, it was granted to John Cokke of London before it was acquired, in 1600, by John Pritchard, a notable figure in the history of Grosmont, near Abergavenny. More than 200 years after the last native prince of Wales was defeated at the site the house, which is now at the end of a 450 metre private drive, was visited by King Charles I in 1645 on his way to Raglan after the Battle of Naseby. The house, which was granted grade II listed status in 1952, has remained in continuous occupation and current owner Andrew Blowers has applied to Monmouthshire County Council for planning permission for a gym and swimming pool complex, for private use, in its grounds. The timber frame, with some stone facing, swimming pool and gym building will include a plant room and patio area and would be around 50 metres south east of Great Campston House. There is also a grade II listed barn, which was awarded the status in 2002, in the grounds. This is where the gym and swimming pool at Great Campston House is proposed to be built. While the house dates back to the 17th century it has been remodelled and enlarged notably in 2002 and there is still a working farm on site. The proposed u-shaped pool and gym would be built on a flat, grassed area of made-up ground near to a modern shed and greenhouse. There would also be car ports. The listed Great Campston Barn A heritage statement has been submitted with the application and a planning statement said that 'concluded that the proposed building on this site would have no impact on the listed house or its setting and would result in a very minor change to the setting of the listed barn. There is no adverse impact on the specific ground on which the new building is proposed as this is the site of former buildings and the site has been artificially levelled'. According to the application consideration was given to using the grade II-listed barn for the swimming pool, gym and car ports as it is 'under-utilised' and has sufficient space but it was agreed redevelopment 'would cause significant adverse impact on the listed building'. As a result it was decided a new building would have 'the least heritage impact' and the plans are being considered by council planners.
