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  • OPEN DAY OF THE WASHPOOL

Opening of the restored Sarsden washpool 2017

A large crowd turned up to see the reopening of the Sarsden washpool  - the rain mostly held off, refreshments were served, a number of Cotswold sheep took an early bath – and everyone enjoyed themselves.  Sheepwashes have long outlived their usefulness but seeing this one in use shows just how dramatically some aspects of rural life have changed over the centuries.

sheepwash 1

The Sarsden washpool is easily seen from the road
In the middle of Churchill village with Chipping Norton behind you and the pub on your right, leave the church on your left and go down the hill – signposted to Sarsden and Merriscourt.
The washpool is on the left hand side of the bridge over the Sars Brook at the bottom of the hill.




We have been working on a new exhibition for some time – the Heritage Centre has always boasted of its four important ‘sons’ but now it is time for the women of the village to be celebrated.  Each in her own way has changed lives both in Churchill and in the wider world.

OUR Four remarkable women

 Elizabeth Bourne (1549-1599)
Who controversially petitioned for divorce from her philandering husband and left letters which are now considered a most significant and valuable historical source of early modern literature and inform a greater understanding of women’s negotiations for legal autonomy in the sixteenth century.
A seventeenth-century eccentric

Anne Walter (Unknown – 1707)
Who lived in fear of being murdered but left a trust which is still providing grants for education purposes.
A nineteenth-century grocer

Emily Jennings (1814-1885)
Whose legacy launched a village charity.
A twentieth-century High Sheriff

Judy Hutchinson (1916-1989)
Whose secret war work has never been fully acknowledged.

From Our Guest Book

  • "A fascinating visit. William Smith was a wonderful man! "

  • "A fascinating display in a very beautiful setting."

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"

  • "Very good new interactive displays, very comprehensive."

  • "Such a wonderful enterprise. The locality should be proud of it."

  • "Fantastic, absolutely first class. Most interesting and informative."

  • "What a lovely treat to stumble upon. Thank you for preserving a part of our Heritage"

  • "Congratulations to all on this initiative.  So well-organised and user-friendly."

  • "Lovely spot, so grateful this part of the old church was saved."

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "A little gem I didn't know existed."

  • "Why haven't we been here earlier? We shall certainly return!"

  • "Beautiful restoration, very nicely done! Unexpected hive of information."

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "Excellent to have this centre as a focus for Churchill's history - especially in relation to William Smith."