An extensive programme of restoration and modernisation has just been completed, making them suitable for continued use into the 21 st century but without losing anything of their traditional appearance. They stand in two groups of five opposite the parish church, next to Parklands. The second row of almshouses was founded by Miss Ann Bearpacker in 1837. Visitors are welcome to enter this quiet enclosure, which 'seems like an Oxford college in miniature' (David Verey). The Dawes hospital of 1720 completes the rectangle on the east side. A flat-arched passageway leads into a courtyard in which is situated a beautiful, tiny 17 th century chapel.

The building has six gables facing the street and a central domed wooden cupola. The first buildings were erected in 1638 as a result of a bequest by Hugh Perry, with accommodation for six poor men and six poor women. Hugh Perry in the 17 th century and Thomas Dawes in the 18 th were responsible for the Almshouses which bear their names in Church Street. The earliest of these is one of the most notable examples in the town of traditional Cotswold stone building. There are three groups of Almshouses, evidence of Wotton's concern for the aged, and all of which continue in use today. Several roof levels can be seen on the west wall. Benjamin Perkins, caused the nave to be extended by two bays and the sanctuary modified and reduced to its present form. With exceptionally wide aisles and only a few stained glass windows, together with clean white walls, the interior of the church gives an immediate impression of size and lightness. The South porch, which bears a sundial and has a priest's chamber above, contains a restored 13 th century doorway leading to the interior.

It is described by David Verey in Pevsner's Buildings of England ( Gloucestershire: The Cotswolds): 'It is one of the most splendid Perp towers in the county'. The base of the tower, which has a notable peal of eight bells (cast in Gloucester in 1756), is of the early 14 th century, while the upper stages form an admirable example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture of the late 14 th century. The whole church was by no means complete at the time of its consecration and reflects many structural changes over the centuries. Although there was certainly an earlier church, the present building is no earlier than the 13 th century and was consecrated in 1283.

It is framed by trees and possesses a fine late 14 th century tower. Mary the Virgin is the town's most important architectural feature. Its church and the Chipping, or old market place, are nearly half a mile apart and separated by the busy Long Street and High Street. Unlike many Cotswolds country towns in which the parish church, market place and principal buildings lie close to one another, Wotton-under-Edge has no recognised centre point. Nibley Hill (crowned by the William Tyndale monument) provides spectacular views across the Severn valley and nearby is the steep-sided valley of Ozleworth Bottom. The small market town of Wotton-under-Edge is tucked under the edge of the high western Cotswold escarpment with Nibley Hill towering above it. Villages on the South-West edge of the CotswoldsĬam and Dursley Railway Satation - 5.7 miles

Fews land rover wotton under edge