Hanham Abbots Conservation Area

A copy of the full statutary conservation area leaflet and maps - the result of a public consultation process, can now be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.

Setting

Hanham Abbots Conservation Area comprises four building groups and adjoining open land located in an attractive rural setting at the foot of the Hanham Hills and stretching down to the northern bank of the River Avon at Hanham Mills. Designation seeks to protect the character and rural setting of St George's Church and the fine group of listed buildings at Hanham Court, the building groups at Bickley Farm, Court Farm and along the river front at Hanham Mills. The area is approached by twisting narrow lanes bound by pennant stone walls and hedgerows and despite being located close to the built-up area at Longwell Green, it has an essentially unspoilt rural character.

History

The name 'Hanham Abbots' is derived from the Abbots of Keynsham Abbey who between 1330 and 1539 owned the original Hanham Court and much of the surrounding land. Rumour has it that there are tunnels running under the River Avon to connect the two sites. The original court was also mentioned in the Domesday records and was visited by King James II in 1686, the last heir to Kingswood Forest. The present building is considered to be one of the finest mansions in Kingswood and dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. The tithe barn to the north of Hanham Court dates back to the 15th century, when it would have been used by the monks of Keynsham Abbey to store the 'tithes' collected from the occupiers of the land.

Character

There is considerable contrast within the conservation area. To the north and centre the area is characterised by the rolling Hanham Hills and open fields around Hanham Court whilst to the south, along the river front, the area is contained by a backdrop of the steeply wooded slopes of the Avon Valley. Running alongside the gate lodge is Ferry Road, which leads down to the River Avon at Hanham Mills. At first the road is bound by raised grass verges, stone walls and hedgerows and offers good views across the fields towards Hanham Court and across the open plateau above the Avon Valley. It then narrows and the character changes with views restricted by a high stone wall and dense tree planting where the road slopes steeply down the valley towards the river. The strong sense of enclosure is a key part of the dramatic transition between the two areas and is essential in emphasising the contrast in character.