Summer Outing 2013
Some years ago our summer outing was a very interesting and successful guided walk around Newent. This year we decided to arrange something similar in Winchcombe on Friday June 21 (Midsummer’s Day!)
We met in the Gallery Room of the White Hart, right in the middle of the town. Carol Harris, a prominent member of the recently formed Winchcombe History Group, talked to us about the long and colourful history of the town; highlights of the immediate area include pilgrimage to an abbey founded in Saxon times; an 8th century martyr; a period as a regional centre of Mercia (with its own mint); links to Henry VIII’s last wife; a formidable 19th century local benefactor; and agricultural and industrial activities including tobacco (legal and illegal!), wool, silk and paper.
Carol then led us on a guided walk round the centre of Winchcombe. Highlights included St. Peter’s, a beautiful and interesting ‘wool church’ dating from the 1460s, and a look round the former George Hotel, a very old pilgrim’s hostel and coaching inn.
After the walk we returned to the White Hart for an enjoyable meal.
For reports on earlier outings, please click on the appropriate menu option.