History
The history of the grounds of Manor House
date back to the Doomsday Book, second only to Stonehenge in terms
of archaeological significance in Wiltshire.
Welcome to Doolittle country...
Many people go to Castle Combe for the motor sport. It's one of
the longest established circuits in the UK, where, in 1950, a young
Stirling Moss won the 2.5 litre race. But the 13th Century village
is something entirely different and light years away in feel and
pace to the circuit.
The village is
gorgeous and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in England,
voted most picturesque village by British Heritage magazine. Castle
Combe is probably most famous for being portrayed as a fishing port
in the original Dr Doolittle film, starring Rex Harrison and
Anthony Newley.
Most recently, with a number of mysterious locations in
England all vying for a place in the adult fairytale, Castle
Combe managed to land the role of the village of Wall in Neil
Gaiman's "Stardust" starring the familiar faces of Robert De Niro,
Michelle Pfeiffer and Sienna Miller.
Castle Combe's own Sherwood...
Castle Wood stretches along the left of the first fairway
and green and to the right of the Hotel buggy path. Partly ancient
in origin it has links with the Wildwood that once covered Britain
during the Norman ages.
There is much evidence of the medieval settlement within the
woods, with banks, ditches and remains of buildings -
including that of an impressive rectangular tower.
King of the Castle...
On top of the spur within the Wildwood, sits the remains of the
Castle. An ancient monument of outstanding interest, the castle is
recorded as being a well-preserved motte-and-bailey from the Norman
period.
It is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments &
Archeological Area's Act, 1979. The Castle has never been
excavated, but finds include iron arrowheads, spurs, buckleheads
and the odd coin or two. (The picture is a digital image of the
interior of the motte-and-bailey highlighting the earthworks)
For the budding Tony Robinson's out there...
Other features of archaeological significance include:
- A circular stone wall deep underneath the North Western corner
of the driving range.
- Romano-British pottery fragments which were uncovered near the
Clubhouse.
Further details of these features can be
obtained from the Archaeological Department of the Wiltshire
Library and Museum Head Quarters, Trowbridge