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Keevil, Wiltshire
Keevil is a small village 5 miles south of Melksham. The prettiest buildings are from the junction of Martin's Lane and Martin's Road, and left into Main Street (which is narrow but with a footpath), though going right into Main Street also affords a couple of attractive thatched cottages, as well as the former Methodist Chapel and schooroom, now a residence.
Talboys, is unmissable just before the school and by the lane to the church, its late 14th century, though the left wing was added in 1876 to match, and Grade I Listed. The 13th century Grade II* Church of St Leonard can be found by going down the lane alongside the primary school (Keevil Church of England Academy). At this church in 1556 yeoman farmer John Maundrel, tailor William Coberley, and mason John Spicer, all protestants, during a service, challenged the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and, refusing to recant and accept the Pope as the head of the church, were subsequently burnt at the stake in Salisbury. On the wall of Malmesbury House in Cathedral Close, Salisbury, is a plaque in memory of the three, the cathedral and Keevil church having returned to Protestantism, it reads "For the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ" Revelation 1:9 and "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of Life" Revelation 2:10.
Opposite Talboys is Keevil Manor, also Grade I Listed and built around 1580, it's privately tucked behind the long stone wall, so you may not see it. There are several others before it but last house of note is Setters Lodge in Main Street, on the right, timber framed early 17th century, Grade II Listed, identifiable by having two dormers, the larger being on the Left. From there you may want to turn around.
Keevil Airfield, formerly RAF Keevil, is located between Keevil and Steeple Ashton. Though now also having varied civilian use it's still regularly used for military training purposes by both the RAF and army. It was fully operational, as one might imagine, during World War II when it had varied functions, including for training Spitfire pilots, and by the United States Army Air Forces using C-47 and C-53 aircraft for supplies.
There's no pub, and no shop in Keevil, but it has the church, primary school, and village hall. Nearby Steeple Ashton (also worth a visit) has a pub The Long Arms, with a good reputation.
Talboys, is unmissable just before the school and by the lane to the church, its late 14th century, though the left wing was added in 1876 to match, and Grade I Listed. The 13th century Grade II* Church of St Leonard can be found by going down the lane alongside the primary school (Keevil Church of England Academy). At this church in 1556 yeoman farmer John Maundrel, tailor William Coberley, and mason John Spicer, all protestants, during a service, challenged the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and, refusing to recant and accept the Pope as the head of the church, were subsequently burnt at the stake in Salisbury. On the wall of Malmesbury House in Cathedral Close, Salisbury, is a plaque in memory of the three, the cathedral and Keevil church having returned to Protestantism, it reads "For the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ" Revelation 1:9 and "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of Life" Revelation 2:10.
Opposite Talboys is Keevil Manor, also Grade I Listed and built around 1580, it's privately tucked behind the long stone wall, so you may not see it. There are several others before it but last house of note is Setters Lodge in Main Street, on the right, timber framed early 17th century, Grade II Listed, identifiable by having two dormers, the larger being on the Left. From there you may want to turn around.
Keevil Airfield, formerly RAF Keevil, is located between Keevil and Steeple Ashton. Though now also having varied civilian use it's still regularly used for military training purposes by both the RAF and army. It was fully operational, as one might imagine, during World War II when it had varied functions, including for training Spitfire pilots, and by the United States Army Air Forces using C-47 and C-53 aircraft for supplies.
There's no pub, and no shop in Keevil, but it has the church, primary school, and village hall. Nearby Steeple Ashton (also worth a visit) has a pub The Long Arms, with a good reputation.
Excerpts From The Wiltshire Council Timeline Of Keevil (scroll)
1828 Daniel Bayley was robbed and musrdered by another Keevil resident, Moses Angel
1835 78 individuals or families in Keevil were in the work house
1852 George Taylor adds to his will that he will be leaving £3,000 to buy bread for the poor, and cakes for children every year
1881 17 people are killed by a violent storm
1940 Spitfire fighter planes are built in Keevil
1942 Keevil airfield opened
1944 Planes from Keevil airfield take part in D-day
1835 78 individuals or families in Keevil were in the work house
1852 George Taylor adds to his will that he will be leaving £3,000 to buy bread for the poor, and cakes for children every year
1881 17 people are killed by a violent storm
1940 Spitfire fighter planes are built in Keevil
1942 Keevil airfield opened
1944 Planes from Keevil airfield take part in D-day