A Blog Voyage

About two hours from London by car (the nearest railway station is at Chippenham 5k away) you find the most picturesque village in the West Country.  The village dates back to the 13th century, although the stone cottages were built in the 18th century, and it looks like it!

During the Middle Ages Lacock became a center of the wool trade and is now almost entirely owned by the National Trust. Wandering around Lacock gives a wonderful idea of what mid-millennial life looked like.  A small town surrounded by farms, fields & abbey.  Well worth the trip, there are wonderful little shops and eateries.  It is quite nice that while they cater to the tourist, they do not capitulate; staying true to their historic roots and ideals.  This is a functioning town that has a life outside of your visit- and that makes it all the more special.

Lacock was also home to William Henry Fox Talbot- the father of modern photography- who invented the positive-negative film process.  He was also one of the last owners of the lovely Lacock Abbey, and it was his granddaughter Matilda Talbot, who presented the Abbey and village to the National Trust in 1944

The town itself is favorite as a location for period films including Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford, The Other Boleyn Girl, Emma… for a complete list of films check the wiki.

So while wandering around the West Country, put Lacock on the shortlist of places to visit.