Pucklechurch Conservation Area
Pucklechurch was designated as a conservation area on 30th July 1975.
A copy of the full statutory conservation area leaflet and maps - the result of a public consultation process, can now be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.
The Conservation Area bounday was revised and a new Character Appraisal produced and approved in July 2010.
Setting
The village of Pucklechurch is situated in the south of the the county. It stands on a formerly important route from Bristol to Oxford and London and although situated on the edge of Bristol's suburban fringe, it retains its village atmosphere.
History
Pucklechurch was an important village in Saxon times. It is situated in the heart of the historic royal hunting ground of Kingswood Forest and remained royal property until 950. In 946 Pucklechurch came to historical prominence when King Edmund, ruler of all England and Overlord of the Scots was murdered. He was killed in his palace by Leoff, an outlaw who was banished six years earlier. There is no trace of the royal palace today, but it was probably made of timber as were most Saxon palaces. The site is now farmland. The king was buried at Glastonbury.
The parish church of St Thomas a'Becket is the focal point of the village. It is largely of 13th century origin, although it was restored in 1890. It retains a Norman north doorway and a late perpendicular style tower.
The expansion of Pucklechurch was based on its agriculture and coal-mining industries. Farming, the prominent industry for many years, has declined more recently. Coal mining came to an end in 1936 when the mine flooded, although the miners' cottages at Parkfield, about a mile from the centre of the village, still serve as a reminder of Pucklechurch's industrial past.
Character
The parish church forms the heart of the village, situated in a prominent open position. Around the church there are a number of grey stone cottages and fine 17th century houses which form an attractive focal point within the village. These buildings enrich the street scene, in particular Pucklechurch House (grade II-listed) with its interesting doric portico.
To the north-west of the village lie two splendid 17th century buildings - Grey House (grade II*-listed) and Moat House (grade II*-listed). The important Denys family lived at Grey House and also at Dyrham. Both buildings display stone gables and mullioned windows. They enjoy secluded positions, hidden away by their high stone walls and wooded grounds.
The north of the village evokes a sense of openness, enhanced by the green and the spacing of buildings.
Towards the centre of the village the main thoroughfare is characterised by its wide road with traditional stone cottage and large town houses. Numerous mature trees and occasional areas of grassed open space further add to the overall character of the village.