LACOCK ABBEY THROUGH THE AGES

Lacock Abbey was founded in 1232 by Ela, Countess of Salisbury. She was one of the most powerful women in the middle ages and was Lacock’s first abbess, serving until her death in 1261. Between 1536 and 1541, monasteries, abbeys and convents were closed as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Lacock Abbey survived until 1539, when it was bought by William Sharington for £730. And so began the abbey’s transformation from religious institution to country house. Sharington demolished the church and lady chapel, and added an Italian Renaissance-inspired octagonal tower to one corner of the abbey. Fortunately, the stone cloister, created in the 1400s, survived his building works. In the 18th century, Lacock underwent further dramatic alteration. The then owner, John Ivory Talbot, the first of 230 years of Talbot ownership of the abbey, added features to fit in with the fashionable ‘Gothick’ such as the dramatic Grand Hall and the Gothick Arch in the grounds.

tradition that ensured estate workers got to work on time, and perhaps most evident are the pop-up stands that appear on doorsteps, selling everything from handmade jams and chutneys to knitted items, antiques, ceramics and, particularly popular at this time of year, plants.

Country gardens

Opposite the church is Nethercote Hill. Here, the walk crosses the brook via an 18th century packhorse bridge, where, in summer, a ford provides cool waters for dogs and children to play in. Thereafter, following the path straight on, it will head uphill. There are glimpses into some of Lacock’s beautiful English country gardens, where sunflowers promise to be sky tall and fig trees heavily laden in just a few months.

At the top of the hill, the footpath splits: the walk follows the north-east route across a green to Mons Lane, in the direction of Reybridge, which, until the 17th century, was the only place to cross the River Avon.

At Reybridge, directly opposite a commanding thatched cottage, Mons Lane crosses the river. On the opposite side of the river comes an opportunity to extend the walk, heading north-eastwards towards the wildlife-animated Wilts and Berks Canal path and on to the stately Bowden Park. Alternatively, an amble of 400 yds (366m) up the road, offers the chance to enjoy a home-made ice cream from the Lacock Dairy, which uses milk from the farm’s herd.

Either way, the loop back to Lacock heads south-east, following level fields alongside the river, bordered by weeping willows. Swans contentedly ride the gentle current, and herons wade among the reeds. After traversing a series of stiles and gates, the abbey will reappear: this time with its unusual octagonal tower, added when the abbey became a private home, just visible between myriad leaf-laden trees.

To return to the Hither Way car park, the river is recrossed via an elevated walkway that runs adjacent to the road, across the medieval Lacock Bridge. This is a fitting end to a walk that takes in so much of this part of Britain’s ancient beauty at a time of year which shows it at its loveliest. CONTACT

For further information about Lacock village, its abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum, visit nationaltrust.org.uk Please note that in light of the current situation, restrictions should be observed, so please check before travelling.

A balustraded stairway to the abbey’s entrance door, flanked by two large ogee-headed windows and two octagonal turrets on each corner.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the fresh foliage in the gardens at Lacock Abbey.

The abbey clock tower, framed by the Gothick Arch.

Hands outstretched, Ela, Countess of Salisbury, replicated in the Great Hall.

The stone cloisters were retained when the abbey became a country home.

The abbey’s three-storey octagonal tower was added by William Sharington, who had been impressed by Italian architecture when he visited Rome. The building includes a vault.

An idyllic thatched country cottage on the route at Reybridge, here with a vintage Austin 7 parked outside.