Chieveley

This village, just off tho Newbury to Oxford road, is the centre of an extensive and well farmed downland parish that includes several settlements.

The main feature, as in most villages in this area, is the church, a spacious building partly of the 13th century and with several ancient chests and an unusual wooden arch that in medieval times supported a lenten 'veil' to screen off the altar.

The village blends thatched cottages with modern houses and in and around it are several larger houses of interest, including the late 18th century Priors Court (now a farm) which contains unusual l4th century stained glass depicting monkeys playing musical instruments. North Heath was the scene of activity during the second battle of Newbury during the Civil War where the Parliamentary soldiers spent the night on an out-flanking manoeuvre in which Oliver Cromwell took part.