The Campden Society

Protection of the beauty and character of Chipping Campden and its immediate surroundings was undertaken in 1924 when the first Campden Society was formed.  In 1929, the Campden Trust was set up by F.L. Griggs committed to the preservation of the characteristic buildings of the town, its open spaces and surrounding landscape, including Dover's Hill.  The Society lapsed but the Trust, drawing on charities and wealthy benefactors, was able to buy and restore buildings using traditional methods and materials and to prevent unsuitable development.  Its activities were curtailed in the late sixties, however, with the introduction of legislation affecting conservation and planning, and by increasing property prices.  Thereafter, the Campden Trust found itself confined mainly to making grants to restoration projects of civic importance.