Lambourn

The important little town of Lambourn stands at the head of the Lambourn valley not far from the Wiltshire border. It has, of course, long been known for its horse training stables and horses being exercised on the downs is a very normal sight.

To a great extent, therefore, Lambourn's prosperity has grown with its stables but it was of importance in much earlier times. It was a royal manor and as such was bequeathed by King Alfred to his widow. Canute granted Lambourn a charter and as long back as 1227 the Lord of the Manor, had the right to hold a fair and markets. The trader\'s cross in the present market place is a reminder of this.

Many of the town's old buildings are grouped near the church. These include the Jacobean vicarage, the Place Almshouses of 1827 and the Isbury Almshouses, of picturesque design and rebuilt in 1852. Georgian houses are found in the Market Place and High Street, College House being particularly notable. Also in the High Street is another of the red brick Victorian schools designed in 1850 by Street. Close to Lambourn exists a Long Barrow (it really is long - 220 feet!) and the Seven Barrows. The latter title is a misnomer as in fact this is a group