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A lovely Elizabethan half timbered house beside the parish church

Didbrook, Gloucestershire

The village of Didbrook is located just off the B4078 between Hailes and Stanway, in the very heart of the north Cotswolds. The village is extremely pretty, with several excellent examples of medieval cruck framed cottages and some later, by comparison, half-timbered Elizabethan houses, and a country inn for relaxing. See our photo gallery for examples of some lovely old buildings in the village.

The parish church of St George dates to the 13th century, and features a lovely timber framed roof and a much worn medieval tomb in the sanctuary. Beside the west door is an ancient oak chest. The most fascinating tale regarding St George's church relates to the terrible Battle of Tewkesbury, in 1471.

Architectural detail of a Medieval cruck framed cottage at Didbrook

At the conclusion of the battle, the tale goes, soldiers from the loosing Lancastrian side took refuge in the church. They were not safe in their sanctuary, however, for pursuing Yorkist soldiers followed and massacred them there. If you look at the west door of the church it is easy to see a series of scattered round holes, thought to be the marks made by musket balls fired during that bloody event. A similar tale is told of the church at Woolstone.

Photos of Didbrook >>

Nearby
Hailes Abbey
Winchcombe
Stanway