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 DYRHAM
PARK – Robin’s own
guide to Dyrham compiled from the world wide
web
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Location 2 miles from
J18 on the M4 BATH 8 miles(S) BRISTOL 12 miles(W).
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
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The small village of Dyrham is situated
eight miles north of Bath on the western edge of the Cotswold escarpment.
The River Boyd runs through the village and Dyrham
is famous for is baroque mansion, Dyrham Park
(Grade I Listed)
Dyrham lies within the Cotswold Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also covered by Green Belt policies.
The Cotswold Way passes through the village and Dyrham
Park grounds are listed on the English Heritage register of Parks and
Gardens.
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History
Dyrhams long history goes back to 577
when Cuthwine and Ceawlin,
two Saxon leaders, fought against the Britons and killed three of their
Kings, Conmail, Condidan
and Farinmail on the site.
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Dyrham Park completely replaced a late
medieval house of the Denys family and until 1957 was the home of the Blathwayt family. Dyrham Park
is now under the protection of the National Trust. William Blathwayt
married Mary Wynter, heiress to the property
1686. He was an influential diplomat and civil servant who spent much time
abroad. Blathwayt's house was built by two
architects, William Talman and the Frenchman
Samuel Hauderoy.
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Hauderoy built the west front which now faces the formal
gardens as an addition to the medieval house and it was probably finished
by 1694. The stable block followed, designed by Talman
and largely supervised by Edward Wilcox, foreman. Much more radical was the
addition of the east front in pure baroque style which took the place of
the older house. This was Talman's work between
1698 and 1704. The monumental orangery which continues the main east front
cleverly hides the stables behind and was started in 1701 by Talman.
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Within the house there
are many 17th century treasures including tapestries, furniture and paintings,
many of which are Dutch in origin. William Blathwayt
was Secretary of State to William II and travelled frequently to the
Netherlands.
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The magnificent gardens
were originally laid out in the Dutch manner by George Loudon but were
influenced by Repton. Indeed the park was famous
for its water gardens and to the east of the house there used to be a
cascade of 224 steps running down towards the house. The house and grounds
are open to the public.
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The church of St Peter
(Grade I Listed) nestles against the side of the hill, alongside the house to
the west. It is a charming church of the mid-13th century a containing
Norman font and medieval features including tiles and stained glass.
More at
www.dyrhamchurch.org.uk
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Village
Dyrham village clusters around the
church and walled gardens of the Manor House. The winding lanes and hilly
ground add much to the rural character of the village. Many cottages and
houses are of the 17th and 18th centuries, including the 17th century
Rectory (Grade II Listed).
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www.multimap.com
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The village to the west
follows the line of two narrow lanes on either side of the River Boyd. This
descends by a series of waterfalls and flows underneath the village street.
To the north and east of the village the steep wooded slopes enclose the
village. The grounds of Dyrham Park contribute to
the setting of the village, the walls of the park being a particular
feature of note. To the west of the house a small cascade and two lakes
provide a pleasing contrast with the sounds of the waterfall adding to the
tranquil scene. To the east of the house, within the park,
a splendid statute of Neptune by
C C Gibber is situated. 
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The tree topped hills of the park, including oak, beech, ash and
sweet chestnut, and the avenue of limes along the church walk, provide
picturesque views with a more formal setting.
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In recent years Dyrham has changed quite radically. From being a feudal
hamlet with a resident squire to a commuter village, being conveniently
located for major transport routes. Although infilling and new development
has taken place, Dyrham still retains its charm
and unique character. The buildings, utilising local materials such as
Cotswold stone and ranging in size from small cottages to the grander
houses, provide variety and interest.
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LINKS
The Crown Inn
Tolldown Road
Dyrham
Chippenham
SN148HZ
Tel: (01225) 891
166Fax:
An old stone building just south of the M4. Nowadays redecorated as
one room with bare boards comfortably scattered with pine tables, the Crown
aims at travelling diners. There is an imaginative menu and wide choice of
wines. To the rear is a heated patio area for summer lunch times.
Tollgate Tea Shop
Oldfield Gatehouse,
Dyrham Park (A46)
Gloucestershire
Tel: 01225 891585
2.5 MILES to PUCKLECHURCHpop 3000
Shops, Doctor, Post Office, Garage, Primary School, Girl
Guides etc.
DYRHAM
PARK ALBUM
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TO BE CONTINUED
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