Chisbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chisbury |
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 St. Martin's Chapel |
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 Chisbury
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| OS grid reference | SU277663 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Marlborough |
| Postcode district | SN8 |
| Dialling code | 01672 |
| Police | Wiltshire |
| Fire | Wiltshire |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Chisbury is a small village, also known as a hamlet, located in Wiltshire, England. It is part of the civil parish of Little Bedwyn. Chisbury is famous for its ancient hill fort, which dates back to prehistoric times. You can find Chisbury about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) west of Hungerford and about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southeast of Marlborough.
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Chisbury's Ancient History
The Chisbury hillfort is the highest point in the Little Bedwyn area, sitting at 176 meters (577 feet) above sea level. This ancient fort covers a large area of about 14 acres (5.7 hectares).
When Was the Hillfort Built?
Even though tools and items from the Stone Age (Palaeolithic and Neolithic) and Bronze Age have been found nearby, the hillfort itself was most likely built much later. Experts believe it was constructed in the late Iron Age, around the 1st century AD. This means it's over 2,000 years old!
Anglo-Saxon Fortification
The hillfort was used again many centuries later during the Anglo-Saxon period. It became a "burh," which was a fortified town or stronghold. This use is mentioned in an old document called the Burghal Hidage, which listed important forts in the ancient kingdom of Wessex.
Historic Buildings in Chisbury
Chisbury is home to some interesting old buildings, including a chapel and a farmhouse.
St. Martin's Chapel
St. Martin's Chapel is found on the eastern side of the hillfort. It seems to have been built in the early 13th century, around the 1200s. Written records mention the chapel from 1246 onwards, and its surviving parts match this time period.
The chapel's windows still show parts of their beautiful original designs, called tracery. This style suggests they were made in the later part of the 13th century. For a period between 1496 and 1518, St. Martin's didn't have a priest. However, it was used for worship again from 1518 until 1547. After that, the chapel was no longer used for religious services and was turned into a barn. It got a new roof in the 1800s, but by 1998, it was in a partly ruined state.
Both the hillfort and St. Martin's Chapel were officially recognized as a scheduled ancient monument in 1925. This means they are protected historical sites.
Chisbury Manor Farmhouse
Also located within the hillfort site is Chisbury Manor farmhouse. This building is made of brick and has two stories. It was built in the mid-18th century, around the 1700s.
Knowle Farm's Old Chapel
About 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) northwest of Chisbury, you'll find Knowle Farm. This farm has a chapel that dates back to the 14th century, which is now used as an outbuilding. Only a few original features remain, like a blocked window with a special "ogee" shape and the frame of the east window. The main farmhouse at Knowle Farm is a brick building from 1735, built in the Georgian style.
