Beanacre combines a rich architectural history with views across open countryside. St Barnabas Church and Beanacre Old Manor represent different historical periods; fields and footpaths add a landscape perspective to the character of the place. If you are looking for accommodation, you can weigh up whether historic architecture or the rural surroundings should be the focus of your stay.

St Barnabas Church: year of construction and older features

St Barnabas Church was built in 1886 and designed in the 13th-century style, using regularly coursed rubble stone. Inside is a 14th-century font, transferred from the Church of St. Michael at Melksham. This brings together three different historical references in one building: its year of construction, its stylistic classification and the provenance of an older furnishing. For travellers interested in architecture, it is worth distinguishing between these layers: the building dates from the 19th century, although its style refers to the 13th century; the font, in turn, has its own older history.

Beanacre Old Manor and its building phases

Beanacre Old Manor takes the architectural history further back in time. Its open hall and solar date from the late 14th century and were remodelled in the early 16th century. At the rear is a chapel dating from around 1500; the manor house is a Grade I listed building. The hall, solar and chapel add different construction phases and periods to the architectural picture. The building history spans from the late 14th to the early 16th century.

Early references and an archaeological discovery

Beanacre is first mentioned in estate records dating from 1275. The first recorded reference to the manor house dates from 1296; there may be an earlier reference from 1275. Beanacre appears to have developed with farmhouses and cottages around the manor house.

A large, previously unknown Romano-British settlement was excavated in the surrounding area north of Beanacre. The discovery extends the historical picture beyond the buildings in the village and adds an earlier period.

Open countryside and paths

The fields around Beanacre offer far-reaching views across open countryside. Footpaths connect Beanacre with Melksham, adding another landscape dimension to a stay alongside its architectural history. In the northern part of the parish, the River Avon flows east of Beanacre.

The community park and playground were completed and officially opened on 16 March 2006. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether the site is currently accessible.

Discover more destinations: Alderbury, Ansty, Downton, Marlborough, Yatton Keynell, Froxfield, Sedgehill, Collingbourne Kingston.

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