There was a settlement in Campden by the 7th century and, almost certainly, long before that. The Saxon 'campa' 'denu' is an accurate description as the meaning is literally 'a valley with cultivated fields ringed by unfenced hill pastures'. The word 'Chipping' meaning 'market', was not added until much later when the town had a market. Little is known about Campden before the Norman Conquest and the Domesday Book recorded a population of about 300.
Campden Becomes a Town
Campden is a very early example of town planning. The Lord of the Manor, Hugh de Gondeville was granted a market charter by King Henry II in 1185 and set out the plan of the town. The main street followed level ground by the River Cam, a curve that helps to make the High Street so attractive. He laid out regular plots of land called burgages to be occupied for a fee by craftsmen, traders and others providing services to the community. An aerial view of the town today clearly shows evidence of these burgage plots.
Campden - centre for the wool trade
The Cotswolds became very prosperous in the 14th and 15th centuries and Campden, in particular, thrived. The wool from the long-backed Cotswold Lion sheep was prized across Europe. William Grevel, the son of a local man, became one of Campden's (and, by repute, one of England's) most successful wool merchants. In about 1380 he built a new house in the High Street (Grevel House) that still stands today. The Woolstaplers Hall on the other side of the High Street was built in the 14th century by Robert Calf and illustrates how Campden had become an important collecting point for fleece, later sold to Flemish and Italian clothiers.
A time of decline and revival
Agriculture was in decline nationally during the 18th and 19th centuries and Campden suffered accordingly. Wool staple could not be sold abroad and there was insufficient water in the valley to support a wool cloth industry. A silk mill was established in 1790, just off Sheep Street, but this was given up by 1842. In 1836, Campden was described as a "dull, clean, disused market town". The railway came by in 1840 and there was an out of town station but the town declined and, 50 years on, the population was depleted and no less than one in ten cottages stood empty. Providentially, however, Campden was ideal for the relocation from London of Ashbee's Guild of Handicraft in 1902. This influx revitalised the town's craftsmanship and community as well as commercial life. The Guild duly rescued, restored in character and gave new life to many neglected old properties and this began many decades of extraordinary care and conservation of Campden's built heritage.
20th century Campden
It was the town's outstanding architectural heritage, beautiful surroundings and living tradition of craftsmanship that brought the renowned etcher and architect FL Griggs to settle in Campden in 1904. Over 25 years he devoted all his resources and energies to protecting the heritage and charm of Campden. He stood out against unsuitable development, had many houses restored, saved Dover's Hill and had it handed over to the National Trust (NT). Then in 1929, he formed the Campden Trust to continue the conservation effort - as it did very effectively for over 40 years until most of the town was designated a Conservation Area (1970) and protective planning laws were enacted. The Trust did restore many neglected town properties over the years and raised money to acquire The Conceygree and the 17th century Market Hall - both for transfer to the NT. Since the 70s there has been much added development and infilling in the old part of the town but mainly well-proportioned and in natural stone. Developments on the outskirts have also been managed, in the main, sympathetically. Anyway, none of Campden's precious open spaces or buildings and street-scenes of importance have been lost. It is no wonder then that Campden is such a uniquely attractive historic gem of a town. Since it was laid out so handsomely with its long high street in the 12'h Century it has been fortunate. Its growth as a settlement, aided by wool wealth, durable stone and fine craftsmanship has been untouched by war, industrialisation or arterial traffic. Thanks to this and exceptional care of the special character and built heritage of the town during the last century it has survived splendidly. It is rich in listed (protected) buildings with over 270 in the town, including no less than 170 in the extended High Street alone. In addition to its charm, Campden is still a thriving small market town with a wide range of high quality places to stay, restaurants, attractions, shops and other amenities.
A Brief History
- Sunday, 16 January 2011 20:53
- administrator
Last Updated on Monday, 21 February 2011 22:30
