Bathampton

History

Bathampton -known variously as 'Caer Badon' (3000 BC); Hanton (AD 1086); Bathentuna ( 1292); Hampton (1327), and, Bath Hampton (1794). Earliest known records date back to the entry in the Doomsday Book. However recent excavations in the meadows (to the north of the parish) revealed occupation from the Iron Age through to the Roman and Mediaeval periods.

To the south Bathampton Downs is encircled by 'Caer Badon' an earthwork comprising ofa mound and ditch dating to the Iron Age -but as yet no evidence has been found to prove occupation -it is generally thought to have been used as a stock enclosure. The northern boundary of this earthwork is believed to have been utilised by the Romano-British as part of their 'Wansdyke'. Extensive Celtic field systems are much in evidence throughout the hill top and surrounding slopes. There is also evidence that the Romans quarried Bathampton Downs for building stone (Carboniferous Limestone- 'Bath Stone'), as did future generations during the 18th and 19th centuries. The stone here, however, was of poor quality and such enterprises were short lived.

Prior to the Reformation the lands and church belonged to the Prior and Convent of St Peter in Bath and a vicarage was ordained c 1317. Evidence of these early 'monastic' days can be seen in the fish ponds that still exist. The parish church of St Nicholas, whilst reported to have Norman foundations is much rebuilt and altered. The Trefoil Cross, on the east end of the Chancel Roof, is from the original monastic Tithe Barn. The Manor has belonged variously to the Hungerfords; Pophams; Bassetts and Holders. From 1737 the manor belonged to Ralph Allen to whom we owe much for the Postal System and the promotion of Bath Stone which, in turn, led to the creation of the famous Georgian buildings in the City of Bath and elsewhere. Although it is highly probable that he never lived here -preferring his town houses. He placed his brother as Lord of the Manor and it stayed in the possession of descendants of the Allen family until 1921 when the estate was sold. The house was later converted for use as a Residential Home.

The River Avon forms the northern and eastern boundaries to the parish and its flood plain gave rise to the once famous fertile meadows, whilst the Downs provided excellent sheep feed. Sadly today's farming activities are much reduced. There were five working farms within the 932 acres but any farming activity is now carried out by absentee landlords and the Down is covered by a golf course. Both the Kennet and A von Canal and the Great Western Railway pass through the parish.

In 1791 the village is recorded as having 28 houses, whilst the 1871 census shows 71 houses and a population of 387 and that of 1891 shows 87 houses and a population of 402. The main development, as we see it today, was brought about by the final dispersal of the manorial estate in 1921. By 1971 the population had grown to 1,615 and at the beginning of the third Millennium totalled around 1800. There are many famous names associated with the village including Rear Admiral Phillips, Viscount du Barry, William Harbutt, Sir Roderick Murchison and Walter Sickert to name but a few.

The canal was first projected in 1796 and was built by John Rennie in 1810. Brunel’s Great Western Railway was cut through the parish in 1839-40.

For St Nicholas’ Church history, the Australia Chapel, and Admiral Arthur Philip – Church History Page