Bradford-on-Avon with Becky

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Bradford-on-Avon from St Mary Tory

In October, Margaret and I spent three nights with Becky in her new home in Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire where we had a wonderful time. As I’ve said before, Becky is an excellent host, though I find it a little inconsiderate of her to have chosen a town to which I have to take four trains 😉 . (Well, I could have done it in three but the journey would have been longer, suggesting more time hanging around station platforms.) What could possibly go wrong, I thought! Well, nothing as it happens. The journey down was smooth and I only had one nervous moment on the way back when I got off one train to see my next one already at its platform. But I made it!

On our first morning we explored Bradford thoroughly. Becky lives part way up a steep hill so be prepared for some climbs if you visit. The header image was taken at the top from outside the late 15th / early 16th century Chapel of St Mary Tory (tor as in hill) and shows the rest of the town spread beneath us.

The chapel is beautiful in its simplicity, both outside and inside with its modern window (1999) by Mark Angus. It’s still used for worship once a month.

St Mary Tory
Altar and East window
East window (1999) by Mark Angus

St Mary’s is in the care of the same trust which looks after the Saxon Church of St Laurence which we also visited and which might date back as far as the 8th century. At some point the church fell out of use and was “lost” amongst other buildings, only coming to notice again in 1857 when Canon Jones of the nearby Holy Trinity church recognised it as a late Saxon building. The interior is even simpler than St Mary’s and, like it, is still in use. The three part sculpture in the chancel is by John Maine and comprises a ring of stone carved in 2012 above a piece of fossil tree (150 million years old!) and a fragment of a Saxon cross.

Exterior
Chancel

We didn’t go inside Holy Trinity but it is also historic, being founded in 1150 – though extended and restored many times since. What you can see is largely 1860s.

Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity

We did go inside St Thomas More Catholic Church housed in an 1854 building which was originally the town hall. The church has occupied part of it since 1955.

Entrance
Inside entrance

I loved the simple stained glass windows behind Mary in the centre, flanked by a saint and an angel.

Saint
Window
Angel

Of course, the clue is in the name, Bradford is on the Avon so we had a look at the river. (Avon is derived from the Celtic word for river and there are several with that name in the UK).

Bradford-on-Avon
Bradford-on-Avon

We visited the town museum where John was clearly in my thoughts because I photographed an old CTC (Cyclists’ Touring Club) sign and a Moulton Bicycle, an icon of the 60s which is still made in the town.

CTC sign
Moulton Bicycle

We then walked back to Becky’s house for lunch via the 14th century Tithe Barn, one of the largest medieval barns in England. While there, Becky casually observed that the beamed roof might be good for her January Squares Challenge. I suggested that the theme might be something to do with angles – and, what do you know, it’s actually geometry so I guessed more or less right.

Tithe barn
Tithe barn roof

I thought our visit would all fit into one post but this has become rather long and has only covered the first morning, so Part 2 will be coming up soon. In the meantime, as this is my last post before Christmas, I wish all of you celebrating a very merry time!

England, UK ,

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  2. Hi Anabel – got to this one eventually … you’ve given us a great tour of the area – I’ve never spent much time in that neck of the woods – and hadn’t even realised it was east of Bath … now I know!! Cheers Hilary

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  9. Just managing to catch up with you Anabel, I’ve been quite ill for over a week so not been on the pc much. Recovering now though and feeling much more human. I like the modern stained glass window and the tithe barn looks huge.

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  10. What a lovely walk around, Anabel! So glad I stopped by this morning. I’ve never been to Bradford on Avon so it was great to get a personal look at Becky’s new home town. The stained glass window and sculptures is beautiful, and thanks for the nudge about Squares. I had completely forgotten the theme. All the best for the upcoming year!

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  13. Bradford-on-Avon looks like a delightful town, Anabel. I’m glad to read the trains all worked out. It’s usually the connections that “derail” the trip. Thank you for the tour. I look forward to the next instalment. Happy Christmas to you and John.

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  25. I have visited Bradford-on-Avon twice. The first time was on my in-laws’ narrowboat and the second time I returned by car because I had learned – subsequent to my previous visit – that my beloved Granddad’s ancestors were from there. Finding locations connected to my family history was a good excuse to explore the whole town. It is full of charming architecture and I liked the layering of the streets for aesthetic reasons even if the uphill climbs were a tad tiring.

    Thank you for another year of sharing your wanderings with us. Your blog posts are always very interesting. Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2025!

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  27. I have very fond memories of a four week stay in Bradford-on-Avon while a student (on a work placement in nearby Trowbridge) and would love to return one day! Becky clearly looked after you well and gave you a great tour 🙂

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  32. Ah, what lovely memories you’ve encapsulated here, with fine photos to illustrate your post. Didn’t Becky give us a wonderful time, whilst showing us all kinds of positive reasons for her choosing this town to put down roots?

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