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The name for Shipston in the 11th century had evolved to Shipston lies at the southern tip of the Feldon which comprises most of the ‘Scepwaestune’ (sheepwashtown). In the Domesday Book the settlement was south eastern part of Warwickshire. Feld is an old English word meaning open mentioned as ‘having two hides that pay geld’. cleared land. It is a lowland agricultural region strongly influenced by Tudor and Parliamentary enclosures. The Cycle Way passes through stunning In 1268 Henry III granted a charter to ‘Shepeston’ (as it was then spelt), giving the countryside between the landscapes of the town the right to hold markets and a three-day fair (10th – 12th June). During Feldon has four different landscape types, two of which occur along the route. Cotswold Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty the 17th and early 18th centuries the town experienced a period of industrial and the Warwickshire Feldon prosperity as a result of the lively plush and shag weaving industry. These were Vale Farmland lies between Shipston and Knightcote to the west of the route. versatile materials used for all manner of goods from labourers’ trousers to lavish It is a flat, open, hedged landscape with few roads or settlements and has wide curtains. A spur off the route takes the cyclist to the views to rising ground on one or more sides. Burton Dassett Hills Country Park with Shipston still retains interesting Georgian houses and inns with fine doorways and doorknockers, harking back to the Lias Village Farmland lies between Bishop’s Itchington and Southam. This is an breathtaking views of magnificent countryside industrial boom period, and a wealth of architectural features area of varied undulating topography dissected by the valley of the River Itchen that are to be found on exploration of this vibrant market and tributaries. The cement industry based on the lias clays has left an industrial Photographs and descriptions feature interesting town. It is an interesting place for visitors with its quaint imprint on the agricultural landscape items which are passed including the National alleyways, and the centre boasts a wide range of individual Trust’s Farnborough Hall and the site of the first shops and galleries. From Shipston-on-Stour to Arlescote the route is alongside the western Civil War battle of Edgehill For further information see the leaflet Shipston-on-Stour boundary of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area Heritage Walks consists of two Cotswold landscapes known as Cotswold Fringe, and the Wold. The route mainly follows rural roads with some The limestone of the Cotswolds was laid down in a shallow sea which covered most of Britain before the land was tilted up to form the hills. hills which can be taken at leisure. It is signed The first mention of Southam is in 998 in a charter of King Ethelred but it is likely in both directions and there are intermediate Between Tysoe and Fenny Compton is the one area of Plateau Redlands and that an Anglo-Saxon village existed well before then. Originally it developed on Edge Hill which is present in Warwickshire. Though physically an extension of return loops for those not wishing to make ground rising from the Stowe valley where fishing and animal watering holes the Cotswolds the character of the escarpment changes as the Jurassic limestone the complete journey would have been available in the Rivers Stowe and Itchen. The name may derive gives way to the underlying reddish marlstone which is also known as ironstone. from ‘ham’ (a settlement) on the River Sowe now the Stowe. In the Domesday This area has many similarities with the Northamptonshire Uplands. South of Shipston-on-Stour the route connects Book it appears as Suham. to Moreton-in-Marsh by the Two Towns Route In 1227 a Charter was granted for a fair and market to sell local produce and described in a companion leaflet animals. Another Charter was obtained in 1257 for a hiring or ‘mop’ fair which is still held annually in October. In the 18th and 19th centuries Southam became an important town on the coaching routes from London towards Birmingham North of Southam the route is signed to and the north. The Welsh Road which runs to the east and west of the main National Cycle Network Route 41 travelling Coventry Street was used from medieval times until the end of the 19th century northwards to Rugby or southwards to Royal as a drove road for cattle, sheep and geese on their way to the London markets Leamington Spa, Warwick and Stratford-upon- from Wales. Avon Fires in the 18th century resulted in new development in the Georgian style and There are a variety of restaurants, pubs, tea and examples remain around the town. The Manor House, used by Charles1 in 1642 food shops in the towns and along the route to during the Civil War, and now the chemist refresh and revitalise shop still exists as does the Olde Mint. For further information see the leaflets Enjoy your cycle ride in Warwickshire. Southam Town Trail and Holy Well Walk Shipston to Southam Cycle Route 1 Brailes Hill This outlying hill is typical of the Cotswolds near Shipston- Approximately 28 miles including spur to Burton Dassett Hills Country Park at on-Stour. Note the landmark Highwall Spinney on the summit of 760 18 miles. If returning from the Country Park to Shipston take care in feet (262 metres) descending into Avon Dassett. The route is signed in both directions by National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 5 and NCN Route 48 . Leamington Spa 2 Windmill Hill A restored 18th century windmill on the site of DIRECTIONS FROM SHIPSTON earlier medieval mills. From High Street follow the NCN 5 towards Banbury. 10 Immediately after the river bridge turn left onto NCN Route 48 3 Well Point and Stone Seats at Vale Health Centre Tysoe . Follow to the Tysoes and to Radway. Take care when One of four decorated well points, or fountains and seats travelling and turning right on the A422 and B4086. Follow 5 set into walls around the village. Villagers were to Arlescote, Avon Dassett and Farnborough. The spur to the encouraged to use them instead of wells to prevent the Burton Dassett Hills Country Park is after Farnborough. Southam 9 spread of diphtheria.