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Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire
Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire
Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries the manor of Maiden Bradley was awarded by Henry VIII to local landowner Thomas Seymour, the brother of the 1st Duke of Somerset. The property has remained in the family ever since. The 19th Duke of Somerset, John Seymour, lives at Bradley House.
The population of Maiden Bradley is just 300, insufficient to support much in the way of amenities, though it has a pub, village hall, community garden, locally produced milk vending machine, and massage parlour (the upmarket holistic type!), called The Potting Shed. The B3092 runs noisily through the village taking lots of traffic between the A303/Mere/Stourhead and further south, and Frome in the north, this could help support amenities, but it hasn't been enough to-date, even the community run village shop sadly failed. However the one remaining pub, the Somerset Arms, owned by the Duke, is, in February 2021, undergoing complete refurbishment and extension with the aim of pulling in what has mainly just been passing trade, that, from the seen investment, looks more likely if sufficient off-road parking is provided, and the food is good. The pub will re-open, likely later in the spring, 2021, as The Bradley Hare, under new management.
Footnote: In 1646 the village was struck by the plague, and for 10 months no-one was allowed to leave the village, That sounds similar to the pandemic that hit the world in 2020 and caused lockdowns, the villagers relied on relief provided by neighbouring villages then, during this latest pandemic its been Waitrose deliveries.
The population of Maiden Bradley is just 300, insufficient to support much in the way of amenities, though it has a pub, village hall, community garden, locally produced milk vending machine, and massage parlour (the upmarket holistic type!), called The Potting Shed. The B3092 runs noisily through the village taking lots of traffic between the A303/Mere/Stourhead and further south, and Frome in the north, this could help support amenities, but it hasn't been enough to-date, even the community run village shop sadly failed. However the one remaining pub, the Somerset Arms, owned by the Duke, is, in February 2021, undergoing complete refurbishment and extension with the aim of pulling in what has mainly just been passing trade, that, from the seen investment, looks more likely if sufficient off-road parking is provided, and the food is good. The pub will re-open, likely later in the spring, 2021, as The Bradley Hare, under new management.
Footnote: In 1646 the village was struck by the plague, and for 10 months no-one was allowed to leave the village, That sounds similar to the pandemic that hit the world in 2020 and caused lockdowns, the villagers relied on relief provided by neighbouring villages then, during this latest pandemic its been Waitrose deliveries.
Church of All Saints, Maiden Bradley, Grade I Listed, 12th century.
Church of All Saints, Maiden Bradley, Grade I Listed, 12th century, original door.
United Reform Chapel Maiden Bradley, Grade II Listed, 1820.
The Old Dower House Maiden Bradley, Grade II Listed, early 19th century.
The Old Manor House, Maiden Bradley, Grade II Listed, mid 17th century.
27 and 28 Church Street, Maiden Bradley, Grade II Listed, late 17th century.
25 and 26 Church Street, Maiden Bradley, Grade II Listed, mid 19th century.
Village Hall, Maiden Bradley
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Church of All Saints, Maiden Bradley, Grade I Listed, 12th century. In the background is the well hidden Bradley House, Grade II Listed, early 18th century.
12 Church Street Maiden Bradley, Grade II Listed, early 18th century.
The Somerset Arms, Maiden Bradley undergoing major refurbishment and extension, February 2021. It will re-open under new management, as 'The Bradley Hare'.
The Somerset Arms, Maiden Bradley undergoing major refurbishment and extension, February 2021. It will re-open under new management, as 'The Bradley Hare'
Milk anyone?
21 Church Street, Maiden Bradley, Grade II Listed, 1660, with No.20 it was formerly an inn.
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