Discover Stanton Saint Quintin

Stanton Saint Quintin combines evidence of local history with a manageable walking idea. Those looking for a holiday apartment can get to know the character of the village through its church architecture, historic agricultural buildings, archaeological traces and a section of the Athelstan Pilgrim Way. Different travel interests can be pursued side by side: one day can focus entirely on history, while another can be devoted to the easy walking route to Alderton.

St Giles and the dovecote at The Manor

An important landmark is St Giles. The church contains fabric dating from the 12th to the 15th century. Later alterations were made in 1826 and 1851, while the chancel dates from 1888. This makes it possible to trace, in a single building, how the structure changed over several centuries. St Giles is open daily from approximately 8:30 am to 5:00 pm for visitors and private prayer. Those interested in ecclesiastical architecture and the layered history of the village will find a clear focus for their stay here.

The historic character of Stanton Saint Quintin also includes the circular dovecote at The Manor. It is approximately 9 metres high and has a diameter of 8 metres. The dovecote is the only surviving relic of the medieval manor house and its associated buildings, which were demolished and replaced in the mid-19th century. It is also designated as a Scheduled Monument. The contrast between the surviving individual building and the lost complex as a whole makes this part of the village’s history particularly vivid.

Glebe Farmhouse and earlier traces

Another route into the past leads to Lower Stanton St. Quintin, Chippenham, Wiltshire. Glebe Farmhouse and the associated privy are listed Grade II. They are regarded as examples of early vernacular architecture and recall the agricultural history of the area. The earliest written reference to Glebe Farm dates from 1624; at the same time, the building is considered the oldest farmhouse in the village.

The surviving details in the rear section of Glebe Farmhouse are also of interest: there are heavy, chamfered ceiling beams, a stone-flagged floor and two early windows that may date from the 17th century. The cautious dating of the windows is part of the building’s distinctive character. Those who want to discover not only well-known attractions but also building forms and traces of craftsmanship during their trip will find a second cultural focus here alongside St Giles.

The history of the site of a Roman villa in Stanton Wood Park reaches back even further. The excavation took place in 1910, revealing parts of a room and a hypocaust. This archaeological trace adds a Roman dimension to the medieval and early modern evidence. Stanton Park is also designated as a County Wildlife Park. For travel planning, it makes sense to consider these different themes separately and not to base the day on unsubstantiated expectations about facilities or access.

Walking route and travel

For travellers seeking an active counterpoint to local history, the fourth stage of the Athelstan Pilgrim Way offers a clear route idea: it leads from Stanton St Quintin to Alderton and is an easy 5.75-mile walk. The route provides a practical opportunity to include an easy walk in the travel plans.

The journey to the area also provides a practical reference point when choosing accommodation. Stanton St Quintin Parish Hall is located approximately 1 mile north of Junction 17 of the M4 and can be reached via the A429. Those who place particular importance on straightforward access when searching for a holiday apartment can include this landmark in their own planning. The choice of the most suitable location should mainly depend on whether the focus is on local history, the pilgrimage route or a combination of both interests.

More local pages

For further travel planning, you can find additional local pages here: Corsham, Cricklade, Ogbourne St George, Trowbridge, Lyneham, Devizes, Chippenham and Hindon.

For the higher-level travel overview: Wiltshire.