Go to the HOME PAGE | Go to the Local History index

BURBAGE
The development of a village and its parish

Introduction

This study was part of a degree in archaeology at the University of Durham. The fieldwork was carried out in the summer of 1978 soon after my parents had moved to Burbage. Pedalling along the lanes in the sunshine, trudging across fields and through copses, sharing enthusiasm for the picturesque cottages and their architecture was a wonderful introduction to the village and its inhabitants. To them I am forever grateful. It has taken me nearly 30 years to "computerize" the information: nothing has been updated so it is presented "warts-and-all" in the hope that some of the information might prove useful and interesting. The "warts" include incomplete references and very dodgy black & white photos.

Alison McQuitty

List of Contents

1 The Topography of Burbage
2 The Prehistoric, Roman and post Roman area
3 Savernake Forest
4 Documentary Evidence
5 The Physical Form of the Village
6 Buildings

Conclusions

Appendix
I late Saxon boundary of Bedwyn
II Burbage fish-ponds

Bibliography

List of Plates

1. site of village from the west
2. "weall weg"
3. Crowdown Clump
4. "wurt walan"
5. Ram Alley road
6. Duke's Vaunt
7. Church path
8. Church
9. Church foundations
10. Church - dedication mark chalice
11. Church - dedication mark cross
12. House I, Eastcourt, from east

Maps

I. Topography of Burbage
II. The parishes of Burbage and Bedwyn
III.Savernake Forest
IV. The bounds of Burbage
V. Burbage in 1773 A.D. (after Andrews & Drury)
VI. Modern Burbage

Figures

1. detail of roof, Eastcourt
2. church tower
3. sketch of east face of House I
4. sketch of east face of House II
5. sketch of House III

©
Do not quote without permission

Go to the HOME PAGE | Go to the Local History index