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MAISE MORE

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A History and Guide edited by Janet Frost HIGHNAM A History and Guide

CONTENTS

Introduction I Romans to Reformation II Reformation to Industrial Revolution III The Dawn of Change IV Twentieth Century Highnam V Highnam Today - a Guide . Acknowledgements

ISBN 0 9530 820 0 80

Published by Oak Tree Publishers , Highnam, Gloucestershire. INTRODUCTION

HIGHNAM - (High-ham) Ham is derived from the old English meaning water meadows belonging to a religious community, in this instance St. Peter's Abbey now Gloucester Cathedral. HAMME - Domesday Book. Later - HYNEHAMME, HINEHAMME, HINEHAME, HYNEHOMME, HYNEHAM, HYNAM, HYNHAM, HENHAM, HINAM. LASSINGTON - derived from the old English meaning lesser or smaller hill. It is said by some authorities that the hill with which Lassington was being compared was the hill at Churchdown. LESSEDUNE - Domesday book. Later - LASSENDON, LASSEDUNE, LESSENDEN. OVER - a slope or bank.

The parish of Highnam as we know it today was formed in 1935, when the hamlets of Highnam, Over and Linton were united with the parish of Lassington. Prior to 1851, when H_ighnam church was built, the manor of Highnam and the manor of Churcham were one parish with Churcham church as the parish church. Lassington was a separate parish. In 1928, the churches of Highnam and Lassingt<;m were united and in 1935, under a Local Government Act, Lassington was included in the Civil parish of Highnam. In this booklet the definition of a manor is 'a medieval fanded estate held by a lord and worked by serfs and tenant farmers.' The lord held courts and exacted fees and fines. A brief description of each area will . enable newcomers to identify the old boundaries.

HIGHNAM consists of the church and adjacent buildings, Highnam Court, Highnam Farm, Home Farm, Two Mile Lane, Highnam Woods, the golf course, Newent Road and most of Maidenhall and the houses built by Bovis. OVER consists of The Dog, the hospital site, Over Farm Market and nearby buildings, plus Over Farm. LINTON now only contains the farm and buildings extending

1 from the A40 over the railway to the Severn. They built a substantial bridge, probably mostly wooden, at Over, a LASSINGTON scares at the Old Rectory on Lassington Lane, second bridge in Gloucester and a causeway over the marshy flood includes Ascman's Farm, Lassington Court and the houses at the plain between. The Roman legions stationed in Gloucester end of the lane. Lassington Wood and the school, the Lovell devel (Glevum) were thus able to communicate by road with the Roman opment and a few houses on the Bovis development and on settlements at Caerleon, near Chepstow (A48) and Ariconium near Maidenhall are all in Lassington. So was Maidenhall Farm which Weston under Penyard (A40). The Romans marched across Over was demolished to make way for new houses. The chestnut tree Bridge and along a road, the remains of which have been found at below The Range was in the garden of Maidenhall Farm. Over on the south side of the road just west of the bridge. This book aims co show how a sparsely populated , rural area has There is evidence of a second, though minor Roman road in changed and developed into the village as we know it today. Highnam. This passed from Over up by Lassington Wood and down the ocher side co Lassington, and so in a north westerly direc tion towards mid Wales. This road became the original Lassingcon THE ROMANS TO THE REFORMATION Lane, passing from near The Dog inh to Lassington. The south west of England is separated from Wales and West Ac chis time the eastern border of the Forest of Dean was the Gloucestershire by the Severn estuary. From ancient times the Severn at Over. Deer and ocher wild animals roamed. The lase lowest point at which chis could easily be crossed was between remnants of ancient woodland left in Highnam are in Highnam Gloucester and Over. Above Maisemore at the Upper Woods, now owned by the RSPB. Deer are still occasionally Parting the Severn divides into two. The two sighted there. branches pass each side of Alney Island, which is No doubt the Romans cleared much of the woods near the river crossed by the A40 on a causeway between Over for bridge building and fuel, so creating the first pastures. They Bridge and Westgate Bridge. About half a mile would have built or improved the quay at Over, and also some further downstream the two branches rejoin to houses in Highnam, Over and Lassington. Pieces of Roman tiles become once again wide and deep. le is not and the engraved scone from a ring identified as Roman have been known whether the early Britons used a bridge or found in the fields now built on. whether the river was fordable in pre-Roman The Romans stayed for about three hundred years of relative times, but certainly there would have been trade peace and prosperity but by the beginning of the fifth century the between Over and Gloucester. Perhaps iron from legions had withdrawn. The Dark Ages had begun. the Foresc.~ f De,an was traded for wool from the The Saxons followed and the remaining evidence is the base of Cocswolds. · There was a third branch of the river the tower of Lassington church. Sc. Oswald's church was originally in ea"tJ.ytimes going further into Gloucester which built by Saxons who lived in a settlement in Lassington:. Their meant goods were lo~ded and off-loaded at a quay near Sc. village was near Ascman's Farm on the opposite side of the lane. As Nicholas' church as well as at a quay at Over, from boats travelling well as the church there was a small moated rectory for the rector. both up and downstream. The stone for building would have been brought by boar and When the Romans arrived in the Severn Vale about 47 AD, they landed on the bank of the Leadon. Travel at chat time was easier by quickly realised the key strategic importance of the crossing point. water than by road. Sc. Oswald's church was closely linked with Sc.

2 3 Oswald 's Priory in Gloucester. The Crown and the Church owned · King Harold at the Battle of Hastings and became King of England. most of the land in the country and Lassingcon was owned by the In order co gauge the extent and value of his new kingdom he Archbishop of York. ordered a comprehensi ve census co be taken - the Domesday Book. The entries for Highnam and Lassingcon were as follows :- The Abbey of Gloucester was founded in 680 AO, but the · building of the Cathedral was not co start for another five hundred LAND OF ST. PETER'S OF GLOUCESTER years. By about 800 AD, Ethelrick , son of King Ethelmund had In LONGBRIDGE HUNDRED - HAMME (HIGHNAM) 7 granted 30 messuages of land at Over to the secular clerks of ::it. hides. In lordship 3 ploughs; 22 villagers and 4 smallholders with 7 Peter's Abbey. (Rudder) During the reign of Edward the ploughs. 8 slaves; meadow, 30 acres; woodland sufficient for the Confessor, Ulfketel held Lassingcon and Wolphin le Rue held manor. Highnam and Churcham . In 1022, the Benedictine monks cook The value was 40s (in 1066) now £4 (in 1086). over the Abbey from the secular pnests. In 1779, Samuel Rudder wrote, "Wolphin le Rue was consul or governor of Gloucester in the LAND OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK fifth year of the reign of King Canute (1022). He was also the lord In LONGBRIDGE HUNDRED - Ulfketel held LASSINGTON, of the two manors of Hamme (Highnam and Churcham) . At the a manor of 2 hides. Now Roger holds it from Archbishop Thomas. instigation ofWolstan, Bishop of Worcester, King Canute turned out This land pays tax. In ·lordship 1 plough; 5 villagers and 2 small the secular priests from the Abbey of Gloucester and placed monks holders with 3 ploughs. 3 slaves; meadow, 20 acres. of the order of St. Benedict in their stead, but this le Rue w·as so The value was 40s (in 1066) now 30s (in 1086). averse co monks that he slew seven (or some say six) of them not far from the town, between Churcham and Gloucester in the year 1033. The Pope afterwards obliged him co atone for his offence by giving

those manors for the maintenance of St. Peters ." Rudder also wrote T~E \/INE'fAl'-D that after visiting the Pope "le Rue returned home cheerfully, and gave Chircham and Hynam with the meadows, plains, woods and pastures upon the condition that seven Over-1624- afterSpeed monks sho'iild be for ever maintained co pray to God on his behalf." That is how

Highnam became ALNl::Y lSLl>.NP linked with Gloucester t\bbey for five hundred years. M In 1066, as everyone knows, William the Conqueror defeated

5 4 During the 11th century, Lassington church needed extensive the centuries until 1772, when there was a complete stack of corn repairs and renovation, so a Norman nave, chancel and side chapel mills. Over mill was still the property of the lords of the manor of were built and re-dedicated on Palm Sunda y, 1095. At the west end Highnam in 1843. By 1888 it was steam driven and was demolished of the church a musicians' gallery was built which remained until in 1903. The site for this is under the ease bound carriageway of the Victorian 'modernisers' removed it. A40 at Over. In 1220, Walter of Muchegros. lord of Lassington manor granted By the 14th century, much of the woodland in the parish had annually 2 cornocks of oats to the brethren of St. Bartholomew's been cleared, the remaining area being Highnam Woods, which was hospital at the bottom of Westgate Street, Gloucester. By the 13th less extensive then than it is today. Highnam manor was still in the century, the vineyard at Over, on the slopes behind the hospital, ownership of the Abbey and between 1328 and 1337 the Abbot was producing wine for the Abbey. Between 1343 and 1359, Abbot built a 'Great Grange' on the site of the present Highnam Court. Staunton built a residence at the vineyard. The first wooden struc This house consisted of a hall, a parlour, a great chamber and two ture was replaced fifty years later by a substantial stone house porches. The Abbey leased out the house but reserved for which was moated and fortified and known as The Vineyard. This themselves the right to move there should there be plague in became home for successive Abbots and Bishops of the Abbey, Gloucester. The house was completed by the building of a separate including the renowned Bishop Hooper. chapel. In addition to their new house, the Abbey still owned The It is recorded that "on the 4th August 1502, the Abbot Vineyard moated house at Over. conducted Queen Elizabeth, Queen of King Henry VII from Ac chis time Lassington had little woodland (Lassington Wood Prinknash Park through Gloucester to his mansion on Vineyard Hill was planted in the 18th century) and there are records of several where she spent the night. She was on her way to Raglan Castle." changes in lords of the manor, involving different families. There were a number of other, smaller houses at Over included Lassington church was used by the people of chat parish. The in a survey of the manor of Highnam in 1267. Henry of Bridge-end _ tenants of Highnam Court used was the tenant of the manor, and there were 97 smallholders, 5 the chapel but the ocher parish fishermen and 3 smiths, quite an increase since Domesday 200 ioners of Highnam had no church ·· years earlier. The Crown owned all the fishing and hunting rights other than Churcham, or throughout England, but a charter granted in 1287 allowed Lassington. There was a small ······· Gloucester Abbey to fish in the rivers Severn and Leadon and to medieval chapel at the junction of kill beasts and game in Highnam manor. Two Mile Lane and the Ross No doubt the Roman bridge at Over had been repaired regularly road, said to have been used by in order to maintain trade between England and Wales and a 'great wayfarers, but by 1607 this chapel road' from Gloucester to Newent was recorded in 1228. This road, had been converted into a house with the roads to Chepscow and Ross, established the present main which can still be identified by road pattern. the stone niche set high in the external wall. A wayside cross Before the 13th century, a new course for the river Leadon was and Holy well were near this cut dividing the river into two just before entering the Severn. This chapel in 1532. was to create a mill race to power a mill, which was developed over

6 7 Life appears to have been very settled in Highnam prior to the manors of Highnam and Reformation. Gloucester Abbey owned all the land and bu ildings, Lassington, the first which were tenanted. Apart from agricultural workers there were Neighbourhood Watch! s~iths, millers and fishermen. The Abbey had created large The offences might fishponds near the Court which they stocked with fish for their own have included scolding, use. Wheat, rye, peas, beans, barl

8 9 In 1643, at the height of the Civil War between the royalists and temporary refugees fleeing to neighbouring villages. Livestock left the parliamentarians, Highnam became a battleground. Colonel behind was taken by the troops and many homes were lost. The Massey's troops were entrenched at Over. A large royalist force, rector of Lassington made the following entry in the parish register Welshmen of Lord Herbert's force, advanced from the Forest of - "The old register books belonging co the parish o[ Lassi ,qgton Dean and encampea at Highnam Court. Several thousand men were emb; ·z~led and lost in the late time of confusio _n. __Qivers were spread over a wide area commanding a view of Gloucester and unhappy wai-s." Over. They also commanded the junctions of the Newent, Ross - --S~a1r boys and girls with sharp eyes may still find musket balls and Chepstow roads, a seemingly impregnable position. anywhere in Highnam and Lassington. Colonel Massey's troops harassed them from Over, but after Highnam Court was re~~ilt by Sir _\Yi!liam g()o~e_ i_r:i_.. ~ d~~~gn several weeks there was a surprise attack from the rear. A second after the styleo f ini"go Jones. The 17th century house still stands parliamentary force under Sir William Waller had crossed the an , tnofigTicher.e ha~ -been later additions, the original building is Severn at Framilode and approached Highnam from Huntley. little changed externally . It is rectangular, with two stories plus There was a fierce battle culminating in the surrender of the royal attics and is built of red brick with stone corners . It is now a Grade ists to this combined attack. Between 300 and 600 men were killed 1 Listed building. The interior has been substantially altered by and are remembered on the memorial beside the Newent road at successive owners and the only 17th century feature remaining is Rudford. Years later, the remains of about 80 dead Cavaliers, the fine oak staircase . The chapel remained as a separate building. presumably fleeing the battle, were unearthed at Rudford . 150 royalist officers and 1,440 common soldiers were taken prisoner. The Vineyard was still in use in 1678 when the tenant was Both Highnam Court and The Vineyard were extensively assessed for tax on 7 hearths, while the Bishop paid on 4 hearths. damaged. The records do not show what happened to the villagers The house had been demolished by 1755, and stones from the or their homes or livestock. Presumably as in all wars, they became building were used in nearby cottages . _ The Lassington church register records that in 1667 the wall on the south side of the chancel was taken down and rebuilt. This was followed the next year by the rebuilding of the south wall of the church itself. Two new windows were fitted in this wall at the expense of the rector, Thomas Graille. He also recorded that it cost · 2/- for -a baptism, 2/6 to be m~rried and 4/- to be bur:if9-at _t:he church. At that time alCbachelors had to pay ~~:l5__?f6 -~-~ ac~ -~ lf year. By,.J 710, the number of houses in Highnam had fallen to~ mostly the ~suit of the Civil War, though there were still 10 houses in Lassington, 11 small farms in the whole area, and Highnam Court. As well as the corn mills at Over there was a mill near the Great Pool at Highnam Court and a windmill near Highnam Woods. Communication by road was becoming increasingly important and every able bodied man in the parish was required to give four

10 11 to six days a year to repair the parish roads. This work was neither house, with her baby and a maidservant were alone. The men well planned nor well supervised, so that the roads · were in disre demanded money and food which was refused, whereupon they pair. Around 1725, the three main roads in Highnam were attacked the maidservant with knives . The farmer's wife ran and turnpiked, which meant that private companies maintained the hid in a chest of feathers leaving the baby. The men made the baby roads to a much higher stand~rd but charged a toll to every animal cry and when the mother came out, she too was butchered . The and vehicle using the road. Examples of charges at Over Gate robbers took their loot, made off towards Gloucester and stopped at were:- an inn (The Dog). When the farmer returned he found the robbers' big black dog which had been left in the house. The farmer A carriage drawn by a horse 6d realised the dog would lead him to its master, so he released it and A cart with 6in wheels 4d followed it on horseback. He was led to the inn where the A cart with 4½ in wheels 5d murderers were apprehended. In another version, the maid A cart with wheels less than 4½ ins 6d r befriended the dog so that it did not reveal her presence to the A horse not drawing l½d burglars . She then raised the alarm, but the mistress of the house Every drove of cattle, per score 10d was still killed. Ploddy House is believed to be a corruption of Every drove of lambs, per score 5d Bloody House. The murderers were hanged, but there is no record Every dog drawing ld of what happened to the dog, except that The Dog was named after A steam driven carriage 5s Od him. In 1745 there was a gallows at Over, used by Gloucester jail, so it is possible these men were hanged there, if the story is true. The Severn flooded regularly. It is recorded that in 1770 the Not surprisingly, there was strong opposmon to the payment of Mail coach from south tolls. There were toll gates at The Dog inn, on the Maisemore road Wales had to stop at and on Over bridge. (In 1888, the responsibility for the mainte Highnam, and the passen nance of roads passed to the newly formed County Council.) The gers and PO guard had to turnpike trustees held their meetings at The Dog which is first be ferried by boat into recorded in 1760, when it was known as The Talbot. Gloucester due to high There. are several interesting tales to tell of how The Dog got its tides. The road was built name, all citing the tracking instincts of a dog. One tells that two up when the road was thieve.s one night took shelter at the inn, but with the watch widened, to overcome the approaching, they made a hurri ~d departure. One of the -men had problem. left a coat or cap behind -ijnd this was shown to the dog owned by When Dennis Cooke the innkeeper. The dog too k up the scent and followed the thieves died in 1747, Highnam all the way to Newent where they were caught and brought back to Court passed to his daugh the inn at Over,' which was then renamed The Dog. ters, one of whom was Another story tells how about 150 years ago, at a lonely married to Henry Guise. farmhouse (Ploddy Farm, near Newent) two men arrived during the The Guise family, one of day while the farmer was away from home. The mistress of the the oldest families m

13 12 England, became lords of the manors of Highnam and Lassington. The interior of Highnam Court was substantially refitted, including building that later, apart from the Saxon tower, it was not consid decorative plaster work in the principal rooms. The Guise family ered worth saving. built Lassington Court which has remained unchanged externally An earlier rector of Lassiqg~on hag __b ~_~n so upset ~y- ~_he__ _gjlapi- since the 18th century. datedst a ce·ot hTs reccory,r hat he had petiti c)n~~-i:Ke Bishop to have In 1777, a proposal was made to link Gloucester and Hereford -1tcake-n'down ~-~~\ ~ -s~jd-it was no better thgn_~ _ _' pauP-er's cottag€'. by canal, so the Gloucester and Hereford Canal Company wa set Eventually permission was given and thereafter the rector travelled up. By 1798, the canal was open between Gloucester and Ledli>ury the two miles up the Old Lassington Lane beside The Dog from and was carrying coal from Newenc. The Industrial Revolution was Gloucester. There were then complaints from the parishioners that beginning to have an impact even in Highnam. the services he held were very infrequent. In 1868, a new rectory was built more centrally in the parish on the right of the present Lassington Lane. This rectory became a THE DAWN OF CHANGE private house when the ecclesiastical parishes of Highnam and The 19th century brought many changes to Highnam. The Lassington were combined in 1928, after the death of the last rector, census of 1801 shows a population of 202 persons living in 52 Rev. Winnington Ingram. So ended the annual panies on J h~ houses in ffighnam, Over and Linton, with.BS persons living~ rectory lawn when every Las·s1ngtori reside;t --~~}oy.e{ i~Le~ic of houses in Lassington, a total of 287. By 1851, the numbers had salmon, roast beef,~--oeetarid __ ca.!5-es : The churc·h ·continued in use risen to over 500. 12 persons~ were---- employed at Highnam Court, as until 1966. The mother of Rev. Winnington Ingram was descended cook, buder, _ hou~ 12er~-maids, nursery - staff, coachman __.2_,_,,Sir Berkeley William Guise demolished the chapel at was commissioned to design and build _a new bridge. which was Highnam Court. The stone was used to build the stable block and completed four -years lati r.·--H~;; ; ~;:-;h;;; · ~h~ ;uP1 ;~-rts- fort l1e me s eat s;-e'rer emoved to Lassington church. The seats included arch were removed the bridge sank a total of 10 inches. a high backed, square shaped pew with a fireplace in the centre. It Undismayed, Telford said the bridge at Neuilly in France on is unlikely that there were any seats there before then, other than which Over bridge was modelled had sunk more than that. He perhaps something for the ldird of the manor and his family and a always maintained that later problems with the bridge were caused stone bench along the ..;vall for the elderly. Hence the saying "The by inadequate foundations, because of cost cutting. Despite this weakest go to the wall.·1?,., In 1875, Lassington church was substan the bridge carried traffic far greater than he could have anticipated tially rebuilt and the minstrels' gallery removed. Before this Ernest until it was replaced by the current bridge in 1974. The Tudor Gambier-Parry records how, when he was a boy music for services bridge was demolished in 1836, but the Telford bridge has been was provided in the gallery by two fiddles, a clarinet, and a double preserved as an Ancient Monument. bass ._This final rebuilding, f~rlier repairs, so ch~n_ged the

14 15 Recognising the need for a church in Highnam, because of the distance to Churcham, Thomas Gambier Parry obtained permission Telford's 'Over Bridge' with from the Bishop of Gloucester to build one . He commissioned Tudor bridgedownstr eam Henr y Woodyer to design and build a church in gothic style, to seat 200. The stone came from Hartpury, with dre ssings of Bath stone. In only 21 months the church was built and was consecrated on 29th April 1851. It was dedicated to The Holy Innocents, the children slaughtered by Herod , also bearing in mind Thomas Gambier Parry's own children by his first wife, Isabella, who had died in infancy. The dedication was G.Qmme.morn_~d for the ne~_LID!.fJY .;. seven years b-y a daylong party in the park be~-id~-th~-church, for everyone in Highn am parish. A newspaper report of consecration day states, "At long tables were seated every man, woman and child of the labouring classes in the parish, who were able to attend, partaking of a beautiful supply of mea·t, vegetables and bread, followed by an inexhaustible amount of p um puddin g ancfi'~- In 1808, Sir William Guise had been paying a woman to teach children in Highnam and in 1833 there was a 'dame school' in Two Mile Lane with 24 children, half of whom were paid for by their Highnam Church1858 parents and half by Sir William. In 1837, his brother, General Sir John Wright Guise sold Highnam~anor to Thomas Gam6ier Par ry, retaining Lassington. This latter was fi"nally------sold by his grandson------in five lots in 1920 and consisted of 623 acres including three farms and Lassington Wood. The oak tree was presented to~ er City Council with their a ssurance that t~ g landmark would be preserved! Thomas Gambier Parry inherited great wealth when he was twenty one. He was a gifted artist, with strong religious convictions. The estate he had purchased ,_had woodlands , river wharves, a mill and 1100 acres of farmland . ¥le started complete renovation of the

Court .,--._._ and ..... --.· redesigned· ...... ,__.,. __ ,-..,...,,. .. , •·· ..!!i V. e gardens J 1imse--~_.,_ ~"""'J f, em""-"-,.,_,,.·2.!9.. ing ,_....._ a specialist . to. design the water gardens and rockeries. He built over 30 cottages for the people who worked on d:ie estate. With his wife, he travelled extensively on the continent and studied Italian renais sance art, bringing back to Highnam paintings, glass and sculptures which later became the Highnam Collection, now housed in the Courtauld Institute , London .

17 16 panied by an adequate quantity of good ale." heat by a coal fire. There were earth closets outside. In 1851, there Gambier Parry, who had been very closely involved with the were 45 pupils, including 11 from La ssington. architect in the design of the church , then designed and executed The children were from the cottage s in the village, their parents the . frescoes inside. He invented the 'spirit fresco ' technique and mostly working either on the land or at the Court. Fees of 4d per started the paintings in 1859. Assistants did only the lettering and week for older children and 2d a week for younger children were diaper patterns. The painting continued until his death in 1888. paid until 1891, when elementary education became free and compulsory. The school roll then rose to 70. He also built in the same style as the church, the school and school house, the parsonage and the sacristan's house, now known as Church Lodge. Highnam Old Schooland Thomas Gambier Parry had a great love for trees. He planted SchoolHouse ~ rare trees in the p~~ ' and in 1844 planted The Pinetum with 3DUspecies beside Highnam Woods, which he extended. He also planted the Irish yews and monkey puzzle trees in the churchyard. He placed the entrance to the church through the dell which was part of the original road to Newent, having arranged for that road to be straightened . H lJ GCR.1 ,P~.-Q__ f?, \/ He died in 1888, and was much mourned by those who appreci ated his public service. The estate was inherited by Hubert Parry, born in 1848, the son of Thomas by his first wife. Hubert Parry was in the forefront of the world of music and became director of the Royal College of Music in 1894. Four years later he was created a baronet. With his family he spent some time in Highnam where he ~-~ -. ·····-·-----·-· ------. - - - - ~~':"~ -~.,_:___! concerned himself with local affairs. He was a JPand served for a time on the Parish Council. When he died in 1918, the funeral School leaving age was 12. Until 1891, attendance had been service was held in St. Paul's cathedral. He is best remembered for sporadic, absences being caused by harvesting, bad weather and his musical setting for B lake's poem -.Je rusalem'. inability to pay fees, as well as sickness. The fees of the children Highnam Court passed from the Parry family in 1978, though a from Lassington were met from a new charity, the William Andrews great grandson of Thomas G~.mbier Parry still lives in the village foundation. William Andrews ' origins are uncertain but he was and holds the ancient title of lord of the manors of Highnam, connected with the Murrell family who farmed at Maidenhall Farm. Linton and Over! '\, . In his later life he lived in London where he was a Freeman of the The school (with adjoining small house for the teacher) built at City and a member of the Worshipful Company of Merchant the same time as the church, was a National School and comprised Tailors. His own trade was a Gentleman Tackle Porter which one L-shaped room with rows of benches and desks screwed to the means he owned a wharf and was involved with the unloading of floor. A small raised area was provided for the infants with their ships. The charity he founded is still in existence and is adminis benches rising in steps. Lighting was provided by oil lam.ps and tered by trustees, two appointed by the Parish Council and three

18 19 from the Local Education Authorit y. The mone y may only be used for educational needs , but Highnam children may now benefit as The railwa y arrived in Highnam in the 1850s. Thomas Gambier Parry sold land at Linton co the Great Western Railwa y Compan y well as Lassingcon children. l-0 \.\ <\-'(!...r;. ~i'l~ (:' for the line from Gloucester co Swan sea. That other great Victorian By 1845, the Gloucester co Hereford canal was 34 mile s long and en gineer , Isamb ard Kingdom Brunel de signed the first railwa y had cost £248,000 co build. A lock-keeper 's hou se was built at Over bridge at Over,'"which t en stood be side Telford 's road bridge . It is where the canal met the Severn . This was brick built and can be possible both men stayed at The Dog while working at Over. The seen by the river on the north side of Over bridge . Although in poor current railwa y bridge was built in 1953. repair it is expected th at the purchaser s of the site will be required co restore the building. , In 1855, the Gloucester ~ edb ury .line was built following the line of the canal by the Leadon. Over junction was on the south The canal was ne ver a financial success and by 1852 the side of the A40 near the Severn. A coach builder 's worksho ...,.xYJlS company was trying to sell it co various railwa y companies. It was erected at Over beside The Dog _anp th a_t__is__ l} O~ __ Ove cE arm finally closed in 1881, but there are plans to restore it. The course ------·~--... - - ~------. Market. Over, at the time of the 1851 cens !-ls wa.tsh _~_ _Q ll.~J..~J._p.art can be seen in several places in the fields down by the Leadon. of the pansh. There we~e.-~~_houses-p_fu_s-! ~: ...Q.? .g<~\~~t_h_ tQ_±_p..e,ople OVER about 1905 including the tolf Keep er, blacksmi~h, ~ ~-~~l~ ri_g!!~-_a_l)d_ _~a _te rfl!~n. The Leadon Bowwasc1 ed up at-the quay and a~,2_ard_.w.~ce_tb..e .b.oat ;;-;~ e; i i~~ if e ;~-;;-~h ildren and t~ o L9.ggers. There was even ' . --. -·----· --·-- ·- .,..... asho p, but when -;oicf tolls were abolished in 1879, tradesmen came out from Gloucester and the local people could travel freel y into the city, so reducing the trade locally. In 1851, there were 40 houses in Highnam, 6 in Linton and 10 in Lassingcon. In 1854, the first Highnam Post Office was · opened in the cottage, then thatched, on the Newent · Road opposite Highnam Green. There was a post box in the wall from which the letters were collected at 6.0.pm. Daily postal deliveries were made after 9.0.am when the lett ~i:s arrived at the PO on foot. This cottage was also the village /s·l1~p and sold tobacco, sweets and some fresh vegetables (fro~ the garden). It remained the PO until the present PO wa,s-·opened in Maidenhall in 1960. The bakery in Two Mile Lane closed at about the same time. Fallowing the Local Government Act of 1894, Highnam Parish Council was formed and took over certain powers and duties previ ously performed by the Churchwardens and Overseers of the P?or. The first meeting was held in Highnam School and from that time Highnam, Linton and Over became the civil parish of Highnam. Lassingcon , being too small co have a Parish Council , qualified for a

20 21 village for a nominal rent. In 1911, there was a week's holiday from Parish Meeting. school to celebrate the coronation of King George V. Highnam School celebrated the last year' of the nineteenth During the First World War, Highnam men were called up and century by having its own water supply from the Newent to there are ten names on the war memorial in the church of those who Gloucester main, but only for tap water, not toilets. did not return. In 1925, Major Ernest Gambier-Parry , who had inherited Highnam Court from his half brother Sir Hubert Parry, improved the accommodation for the teacher by adding the stone TWENTIETH CENTURY HIGHNAM extension at the left of the school, and the porch. These improve At the turn of the century ;' Highnam was chosen by Gloucester ments provided a scullery, a wash house, and an inside water closet. f~ a second time to accommodate people suffering from infectious The children still used earth closets! and contagious diseases. The Benedictines had reserved Highnam In 1920, Mrs. Gambier-Parry founded the Highnam Women 's Court for themselves in case of plague in the city, and this time Institute, which continues to thrive. The rector of Lassington died Gloucester City Council decided to build a fever hospital at Over, in 1928 and on his death the churches of Highnam and Lassington causing understandable local objections. The new hospital, opened were united and the living made a rectory. Lassington rectory in 1904, had forty beds, as well as accommodation for staff, disin became a private home 'and Highnam parsonage became the fection plant, stables and a laundry. Cases of typhoid, measles, rectory. The rector there scarlet fever and diphtheria were treated. Visitors were allowed to was responsible for communicate with their relatives by standing on steps outside the ·services in both churches . windows. Heating was provided by two fires in each of the_ two Under a Local wards. Later, hutted wards were added for the treatment of tuber Government Act in 1935, culosis. With immunisation and improved hygiene, the number of Lassington was included infectious disease cases diminished and the wards were then used in the ciyil parish of for continuing care for patients from Gloucester hospital. In the Highnam. In 1955, the 1960s, a new ward block was built as the hospital became concerned church at Rudford was solely with the care of the elderly. One of the old wards and the added to the united TB wards were used for Day Care. In 1993, the last patients were benefice of Highnam and transferred to alternative accommodation in Gloucester, and Over Lassington. Tibberton Hospital was closed. The site was put on the market. and Taynton were added Events of national interest were noted in the village, as holidays in the 1980s. were given from school to ce1e brate the relief of Mafeking (1900) In the 1930s, the and the end of the Boer War ( 1902). The status of the village school houses on the Newent was changed in 1906 f~ m National School to Church of England Road between the church School. and Lassington Lane were In 1904, Sir Hubert Parry built the Parish Room, then known as built. The Lassington the Council Room, to commemorate the accession of King Edward Oak, thought to be about Lassingto11Oal.· VII, who was actually crowned in 1902. He leased the hall ·to the

23 22 600 years old with a girth of 30 feet was deca ying. Men of the status of the school was changed to C.of E. (Controlled). Ancient Order of Druids raised seedlings from the oak and planted In the 1950s, building began again on Maidenhall and from that them in the wood. The massive tree finally toppled in 1960. time changes took place in agriculture , as hedges were removed and From 1933 until 1937, planning permission was sought by ponds filled in, so losing the habitat of wildlife, including newts. several developers for building schemes in Highnam . Finally, in The use of selective weed killers me ant that wheat fields filled with 1937, a scheme was approved for building a 'Garden Village' of 419 poppies no longer delighted passers by. houses with shops and village hall with land reserved for tennis courts, a bowling green and a swimming pool. The dual carriageway beside the PO and the road for Maidenhall were laid as Lassington Church the first stage of the development , and the individual plots sold, so that owners could then build to their own design. Twenty two houses were completed before 19391..~ -~en all -~~ilding ceasyQ~ JtffertneSecona~wo;rd-wa'~.th e -rem aining -houses on Maidenhall were completed, but the original grand plan was never revived. During the war Highnam again played its part. Men and women joined the forces. Gas masks were issued from the Parish Room, which was also prepared as a Reception Centre . In September 1939, thirty evacuees with two teachers arrived to swell school numbers . Most of them returned home by the following spring, though a few stayed longer. Highnam Park was once more used for billeting soldiers. In 1643, the Royalists were encamped at Highnam. This time it was used by the British Army, the Royal Navy and the American Army In 1962, Lassington church was reported as being in a bad state in tents and in Nissen huts. German and Italian prisoners of war of repair, and because of all the changes that had been made over were also billeted in the Park , the last of whom did not return until the centuries to the body of the church, only the Saxon tower was 1948. A plane crashed near the Pinetum, killing the four airmen. considered to be worth saving. The last marriage had been The WI canned fruit in the Parish Room, which was inadequatel y conducted in 1947, the last baptism in 1956 and the final service , a heated by a smok y log fire, and lit by oil lamps. Land Army girls Harvest Festival- was held with rain coming in through the roof. In worked on the farms and a1t gun emplacement was built at Over 1975, the body of the church was demolished, leaving the tower in Farm . VE day and v'.Jday were celebrated by the whole village. the care of the Redundant Churches Fund. Only one person is recorded as being killed on active service. In 1964, under the Beeching plan , the Gloucester to Ledbury Not until 1950 were electric lights inst alled in the school and railway line was closed. The passenger service known as the Parish Room, and in 1954 in the church. A couple of years later, 'Daffodil line' had ceased five years earlier, and now the goods line after a period of fund raising in the village, a septic tank and flush was withdrawn, so putting more traffic on the roads. The A40 lavatories were at last provided at the school and Parish Room. The between the Newent turn and The Dog was made into a dual

24 25 carriageway, but that only put more pressure on the Telford bridge, opposite the PO to commemorate the day. causing enormous delays in the summer months. Plans were drawn In the County Structure Plan, a major housing development was up for a replacement bridge and junction with the Maisemore road. planned for Highnam, and despite strong local opposition, building Eventually, in 1974, a new bridge and approach roads was opened, . started in 1977. Disruption of the village continued for another ten the Telford bridge remaining as an Ancient Monument. years by which time the number of houses had risen from 180 to over 70(r. Old field names were used for the new roads, so forging a link with the past. Maidenhall Farm was demolished. Maidenha/1Farm In 1970, there were about 590 people, but by 1990 there were over 2000. The upsurge in the population brought about many changes, most of which were beneficial to everyone . A replacement school was built in 1981 on the site reserved for it in the middle of the new development. Undoubtedly, the extra space and facilities were an improvement in educational terms, but there was also sadness at leaving the old buildings where for one hundred and thirty years Highnam children had spent their early schooldays. The school took with them the maypole which had doubled as a . 'giant 's stride '. For this, the children hung onto chains suspended from the top of the pole and were able to swing -0ut and take giant strides around the pole. The old school was bought by the village for additional commu nity facilities~ The teacher's house in the old school was let to a General Practitioner , so starting medical facilities in the village. By In 1970, under Local Government re-organisation, Highnam 1993, the practice had outgrown the premises an_d mpved to new was moved from Gloucester District Council to the ne~ly formed purpose built facilities in Lassington Lane, the building being in a Tewkesbury Borough Council. Five years later, it was included in similar style to the old school and Church Lodge. the European Assembly constituency of Hereford and Worcester. There was a much improved bus service, with buses calling After parliamentary boundary changes, for the 1997 election, round the new development. More people meant more community Highnam was included in the new constituency of the Forest of activities and the Parish Room and old school were well used Dean. In 1970, Lassington ~ood became a Nature Reserve and in despite the lack of modern amenities . 1987 the RSPB bought Highnam Woods. Highnam church roof had been leaking for some time, causing In 1977, on a speci~ •rBank. Holiday, the whole village celebrated considerable damage to the frescoes. In 1975, the parish raised over the Silver Jubilee of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II by daylong £7000 to repair the roof and spire, but despite this massive effort by activities on the cricket pitch and in the Parish Room. There was a the small number of parishioners, the damp continued to cause lunch for the older people and tea for the children, fancy dress and problems . At the end of the 1980s the decision was made to raise pets parades, team competitions resulting in a draw (of co1Jr~e)and, money nationally to restore the frescoes and repair the church, in the evening dancing and fireworks at Highnam Court. A jubilee which John Betjeman had described as "the most complete plaque, designed by a resident and mounted on stone, was erected 26 27 Victorian church in the country". 125 years of smoke from candles HIGHNAM TODAY - A GUIDE and oil lamps had dulled and blackened the colours. After the structural work was completed, specialist international restorers and PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST a few willing local helpers spent many months painstakingly cleaning and restoring the interior to Thomas Gambier Parry 's ANCIENT MONUMENT Telford 's Over Bridge. original brilliant colours. In 1994, Highnam church was re dedicated by the Dean of Gloucester Cathedral with the cathedral GRADE I LISTED BUILDINGS choir singing Sir Hubert Parry's music. A dinner was held in a tent a) Highnam Court on the cricket pitch just as the annual dinners were held in Thomas Gambier Parry's time. This is a private residence, but the owner, who is restoring the house and gardens, sometimes has open days or ocher events in the In 1997, there were plans for improved sporting and indoor gardens to which the public are invited. community facilities and a new cycle track from Oak Ridge to The Dog, as well as up-dated facilities in the church. b) Highnam church In 1996, Highnam was very proud to be awarded the Bledisloe Visitors are always welcome. If the church is locked the key may Cup for the Best Kept Large Village in Gloucestershire. This be obtained from one of the key holders whose names are on the church door. A booklet giving the history of the church is obtain reflected well on all its residents and showed how Highnam was able inside . adjusting to being a large village just as it had adjusted co all the ocher changes chat had been imposed on it in the past two thousand years. GRADE II LISTED BUILDINGS . The following are selected from the list, because they can all be seen from the road.

a) Highnam Old School and school house. b) Highnam Old Rectory. c) Church Lodge (former sacristan's house). d) Parish Room. e) Lassington Court. f) Lassington Saxon church tower. (Redundant Churches Fund). g) Nos. 1 and 2 Two Mile Lane. No. 1 was formerly a wayside chapel. h) Milestones on the road from Gloucester.

Several of the older cottages, as well as features in the grounds of Maypole dancing at Highnam School - 1965 Highnam Court are also listed. ( Photographer 'J'omFrost) A further building of interest, not yet listed, is the lock keeper's cottage at Over.

28 29 AMENITIES AND SERVICES was purchased by the parishioners when the school moved to its present site. Both buildings are available for hire and are managed by a management committee, acting on behalf of the Parish HOUSING Council. The Parish Room can accommodate 100 people approxi In 1997, approximately 2000 people live in Highnam. Most of the mately depending on the type of event. There is a small stage and houses are owner occupied. with a few tied houses and rented even smaller dressing room behind. The Old School has two rooms properties. There are six bungalows for older residents which are and is more suitable for smaller groups. Both buildings have basic owned by Gloucestershire Housing Association. toilet and kitchen facilities. There are plans for improved and extended community facilities for the expanded village.

HIGHNAM PARISH COUNCIL HIGHNAM POST OFFICE AND STORES There are nine Parish Councillors who are elected every four years. They meet regularly at the Old School and the dates and times are This is not only a busy Pose Office and general store, but also the on the village notice boards. All meetings are open to the public and main information centre .for the village. There are posters, notices the minutes are available at the PO. of forthcoming events and small ads.

HIGHNAM CHURCH OVER FARM MARKET The Church of the Holy Innocents, Highnam is pare of a joint This sells fresh produce, plants and baking much of which is benefice with Rudford, Tibberton and Taynton. The rectory is on produced locally. There are rare breed animals co visit and in the Maidenhall. Names of churchwardens and times of services are in summer an opportunity to 'pick your own ' fruit. the Parish Link (newsletter) and on the church notice board. THE DOG INN HIGHNAM SCHOOL The Dog, a historic coaching inn, was transformed in 1991, and The village school opened on the present site in 1981. Children given a much needed face lift. Happily the dog still sits outside, from 4 -11 may attend. It is a Church of England (controlled) waiting. school. Parents are encouraged to be involved and there is a lively Parent Teacher Council. T he governors are local people . Parents TRANSPORT seeking information or adm l;sion for their children should contact the Head Teacher. Pi~y Group for 3 - 4 year olds meets in one of Most households use a car for work and leisure. There is a good bus the classrooms. The school hall may be rented for suitable activi service during the day with a reduced service in the evening and on ties. Sundays. Bus tokens for the elderly and disabled are issued by Tewkesbury Borough Council. In April each year there are notices in the village indicating where and when they may be collected. HIGHNAM PARISH ROOM AND OLD SCHOOL Dial a Ride is obtainable from Newent Association for the Disabled. The Parish Room is leased by the village, whereas the Old School

30 31 Bus timetables are obtainable from the Shire Hall and Tourist THE ENVIRONMENT Information, Gloucester. A cycle track between Oak Ridge and The Dog is to be built in the near future. Tewkesbur y Borough Council planted daffodils on the verges at the junction of the A40 and the B4215, on the dual carrageway opposite the PO and other sites in the village. The y have also planted trees REFUSE and shrub~. In 1991, the landowner planted _ 950 trees in the field Tuesday is dustbin day, when Tewkesbury Borough Council empty below the Parish Room as part of a Woodland Scheme. In 1993, the green bins supplied to every household. Garden rubbish will John's Wood (named after one of the first tree wardens) was planted also be taken if placed in the special bags obtainable from the PO. on the north side of Oak Ridge, with a mixture of 6-700 There are disposal facilities for all other refuse at Hempsted; broadleaved trees to commemorate 100 years of the Parish Council. fridges , scrap metal, sump oil, rubble etc. Recycling containers for The Forestry Commission provided a grant for this project. The paper, cans, bottles and clothing are at the Parish Room and The tree wardens may be contacted via the Parish Council. Dog.

LIBRARY Daffodils The Mobile Library visits Highnam every other Wednesday and Spring 1997 stops at several places in the village. Details on notice boards. (Photographer Peter Humble) SECURITY The policeman responsible for the village is based at Longford and should be contacted there (number in the phone book) for non emergency problems . INFORMATION Neighbourhood Watch is active with a contact for every house in Each month a free Newsletter known as The Link is delivered by the village. The contacts pass on messages to the police and each volunteers to every house in the parish . Produced by the Parochial other. There are Public Telephones at Over and on Highnam Church Council with input from organisations in the village, this is Green. partly funded by donations and partly by advertising . Many of the advertisers are local people. There are notice boards at different locations. HEALTH SERVICES A street map of the newer developments has been made by the There is a GP surgery on Lassington Lane which has dispensing children of Highnam School. A map of footpaths has been facilities. Health Authority staff such as Community Nurses and produced by Highnam Parish Council which includes two long Health Visitors may be contacted via any GP. circular walks. Both these maps may be obtained at the PO. Every house has been given a Highnam Directory listing contacts for local organisations .

32 33 ORGANISATIONS NATURE RESERVES

In 1997, the following organisations were active :- THE PINETUM This is adjacent to Highnam Woods and is a collection of pines and Friends ofHighnam Scho9l Play group ocher conifers planted by Thomas Gambier Parry in 1844. The Parent Teacher Council Brownies Pinetum was one of the first of its kind in the country, along with Thesemeet in the school. Westonbirt. Once a pare of Highnam Court estate, the restoration was funded by a government grant. Visitors are welcome to walk Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides. around the peaceful, woodland garden . Thesemeet in the Scout Hut, (due to be re-sited). Toddlers Group Women's Institute I HIGHNAM WOODS RSPB NATURE RESERVE ' Highnam Players HARPS (for the elderly) Purchased in 1987 by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Friends of Highnam church Lassington Oak Morris Men I Highnam woods covers almost 300 acres (119 has) of mainly broad Whist drives leaved woodland. It was bought to safeguard a valuable area of Thesemeet in the Parish Room or Old School. ancient woodland and to protect one of the largest populations of •nightingales in western Britain. It provides an ideal area for people Highnam A Cappella to observe woodland wildlife and has considerable potential for Meetsat BeauchampHouse formal education, especially for study of topics in the National Science curriculum. There are marked trails and access is from the Highnam church holds activities for people of all ages in different car park on the A40 near Churcham Garage. venues. Details in The Link or on the church notice board. Woodland used to cloak much of the British countryside and supports a greater variety of birds, mammals and plants than any SPORTING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES other habitat. Areas such as Highnam Woods, which have remained as woodland for hundreds of years, are vital to the survival of many Badminton Carpet Bowls Table tennis scarce species. Large parts of the reserve are dominated by oak-ash Thesemeet in the Parish Room. woodland with a wide variety of tree and shrub species and rich Football Sk~~e boarding Swings, see-saw etc. ground flora. The western part of the wood has oak-hazel coppice with-standards, while the central hill is covered by sweet chestnut Theseare on thepublic open spacebeside Lassington Wood, coppice and birch . There is also an area of scrub, several small but football should be having a newpitch in the nearfuture. ponds and an extensive network of rides. The sparse canopy in Cricket is played on the pitch beside the church. many areas, together with the plantations of conifers and poplars, bear witness to man 's activities over the lase 50 years. Golf is available at Rod way Hill Golf Course beside Two mile Lane. The reserve Management Plan includes habitat and species Bird Watching is available in Highnam Woods where the RSPB management, research and survey work, visitor facilities and estate have built a hide.

34 35 management. This work has included the opening up of rides and woodlands there are all three species of woodpecker, treecreeper, completion of several areas of coppice in different pares of the nuthatch, goldcrest, marsh and willow tits, while coal tits prefer reserve. The opening up of the coppice areas allows a range of conifers. The crow family is well represented by carrion crow, rook, spring flowers to flourish. Birds and butterflies have responded to jackdaw, magpie and the colourful jay. Birds of prey include kestrel, the opening up of th~ rides. Butterflies have increased in number sparrowha·.-vk, an occasional buzzard, tawny and little owls and the and variety with 21 species recorded, compared with 6 before the relatively scarce barn owl. main ride was opened up. Three pairs of nightingales moved into In winter, a number of species from Northern Europe come the open ride where there had been none before. here to find food and escape the severe winter. Fieldfare and While the nightingale is Highnam Woods' special bird, there is redwing, members of the thrush family, come in search of berries the opportunity to see and hear a wide variety of birds. Nest boxes and having cleared the woods and hedgerows, move into the have been erected to provide additional sites for a variety of birds. gardens for the fruits of crab apple, cotoneaster and pyracantha. Funding for a tractor and trailer and other equipment has been There is also an increase in the number of blackbirds as European raised in Gloucestershire by the local RSPB group. In order to give birds arrive. Even less common birds such as crossbill and a wider public, and especially the people of Highnam, an opportu woodcock may be seen in the woods. Gulls and lapwings come into nity to take an interest in the reserve, the "Friends of Highnam the fields, especially following the tractor and wetter areas may be Woods" has been launched. Friends pay a modest subscription, visit~d by waders such as snipe and curlew. receive two newsletters a year and have the opportunity to join In spring, migrants from Southern Europe and Africa arrive guided walks, be involved in practical conservation work or help including swift, swallow and house martins, willow and garden with the reception of visitors. It is hoped that they will also help to warblers, chiff chaff, blackcap and whitethroat and the cuckoo. raise funds for the reserve. They may also sponsor nestboxes and Nightingales return to Highnam Woods and the last arrival is receive an annual nestbox report. usually the spotted flycatcher. More information about RSPB, Friends of Highnam Woods and To attract more birds into our gardens in winter, we can put out RSPB leaflets can be obtained from the RSPB County food in nut feeders and on bird tables. Apart from the benefit to our Representative, Peter Jones, 2,Beech Close, Highnam, GL2 8EG local birds, we may attract less common birds such as blackcap and siskin and even a greater spotted woodpecker - watch out for the THE BIRDS OF HIGHNAM sparrowhawk! Highnam has a bird population typical of much of the Severn vale We can also introduce plants and shrubs for birds. Most impor - an area of mixed farmland with scattered woodlands. The bird tant of all we must try to provide water for drinking and bathing throughout the year. community differs signific i ntly from that found a few miles to the west in the Forest of Dean. " Nest boxes may attract breeding birds, especially where natural Our resident birds, many of which are seen in the garden, nest sites are in short supply. Boxes with a small hole are suitable include long-railed, great and blue tits, blackbird and song thrush, for tits, whereas robin and spotted flycatcher prefer an open-fronted box. Larger boxes may be erected for owls. chaffinch, goldfinch, bullfinch and greenfinch; robin, starling, wren, pied wagtail, dunnock and house sparrow. In the broad-leaved Leaflets giving information on nest boxes, feeding garden birds and planting for birds are available from the RSPB.

36 37 LASSINGTON WOOD nightingales. A nest box scheme has now been established by local The Lassington Wood Nature Reserve, situated a few hundred volunteers to encourage other species. yards to the east of the new houses, sweeps down the hillside overlooking Gloucester. It is leased by Tewkesbury Borough I This is a snapshot of Highnam in 1997, Council from Gloucester City Council and is managed as a nature l but no doubt the nextfew years reserve in partnership with Highnam Parish Council and the Trust will bring new activitiesand venues. for Nature Conservation. Despite its wild appearance, it is not an ancient wood. Part of it was probably established by the Guise family in the 18th century. The game keeper's cottage, built in the 19th century, now demol ished, indicates that the area was once valued for shooting. The soil chemistry, which is neutral, supports a wide variety of plant life. The wood contains a mixture of native and non-native trees, typical of 19th century landscape planting. The trust's policy for the management of the wood is one of "minimum management" which corresponds closely to the cycle of growth and decay in a 'natural' forest. The beeches which died in the drought of 1976, were left standing and now provide abundant food for insect, and the woodpeckers which feed on them. Growing in the light soils in the upper part of the wood are sycamores, horse-chestnuts, Scots pines and limes. In the lower wetter soils are oaks and ashes. Many smaller trees such as elder, hawthorn , hazel and spindle form the thick shrub layer so essential for bird life. The remains of the famous Lassington oak are still magnificent. Propped up by iron ·stays, it remained alive until the lace 1950s. It is thought to have been about 600 years old. I! There is a rich ground flora of 145 recorded species - some being ' typical woodland species s'uch as bluebell, green-flowered dog's I mercury, stinking iri~, fems and mosses, many others being non I woodland species. Climbers such as wild clematis, honeysuckle, ivy, bramble and woody nightshade are much in evidence. The rotting wood, dampness and fairly dense scrub and ground flora sustain a wide variety of animal, bird and insect life. The wood is home to wood mice, rabbits; foxes, badgers, stoats, bats and about 45 species of woodland birds including 6 pairs of nesting I

38 39 SOURCES Gloucestershire Record Office. Gloucestershire Local Studies Collection. Gloucestershire Library Service. Domesday Book. A History and Guide to the church of the Holy Innocents. Tom Fenton Highnam School - a history 1850-1981. Highnam Memoranda - Ernest Gambier-Parry. Anecdotal evidence. RSPB Managers of Lassington Wood Nature Reserve.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Main research - Brian Clark. Corrections, help and encouragement - Clive Hammond, Tom Fenton, David Smith, Sheila Humble, Margaret Gelberg, Mary Slinger, Beverley Biggin, John Leaver. Fin_ancial support - Highnam Parish Council, Cheltenham & Gloucester Building Society Rural Initiative fund and Bovis Homes. Drawing of Highnam Old School - Duncan Moss. Drawings of Over bridges, Lassington church and Maiden hall Farm - Peter Dening. Cover - Peter Dening. t

-~v . The cover shows :- oak leaves, golf, birds, vines, the surgery, a twentieth century house, Lassington church, the PO, former Over bridges, the Old School, Church Lodge, Highnam church and Highnam Court- all surrounded by trees. Did you guess them all?

Printedby: PerpetuaPress , 20 CulverStreet , Newent, GloucestershireGL181DA. Tel : (01531)820816