Great Badminton 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.
Setting
The village of Great Badminton enjoys a picturesque setting situated on the high Cotswolds approximately 6 miles east of Chipping Sodbury. Badminton House (grade I-listed), the home of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, is visible in the distance from the approach roads across the Cotswold plateau. The village is famous for the annual horse trials organised by the estate. It is also located within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Badminton Deer Park is listed on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.
History
Badminton House is an impressive palladian mansion. It was built for Henry, Third Marques of Worcester and First Duke of Beaufort in 1682 - the original house being the central block and wings on each side. The rest of the house, including pediment and cupolas, is mainly of the early 18th century and is chiefly the work of William Kent. The house is not open to the public.
Kent was a leading figure in the palladian movement and also designed the magnificent Worcester Lodge at the end of the three-mile ride from the north entrance to the house. It is a superb park building containing a palladian dining room over the archway. The castellated farm buildings were designed by Kent's successor, Thomas Wright.
Kent was also an innovator in landscape gardening, organising the Great Park to provide a visual setting and pleasing vistas from the house. The park dates from the 13th century and was used for hunting and raising horses. Until the 18th century, deer and horses were the main quarry. The Badminton Hunt is credited with starting the fashion for fox hunting and breeding special staghounds and harriers in about 1760. Numerous buildings and follies such as the hermitage were built by Kent to add extra interest. The landscaping was later extended by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in the late 18th century.
Great Badminton is an estate village which contains a wealth of historic buildings, many of which are listed in their own right. The wide High Street is lined with estate houses. The fine row of almshouses (grade II*-listed) date from about 1714 and were founded by the first duchess for retired servants. They bear the Beaufort badge in triplicate, the badge being a feature elsewhere in the village. Essex House (grade II*-listed), located at the village entrance to Badminton House, dates from the early 18th century.
The church of St Michael and All Angels (grade I-listed) attached to the house was built as a simple rectangle with a tower in 1785, replacing the mediaeval church. The chancel and apse were added in 1875.
Character
The High Street leading to Badminton House forms a wide avenue, the stone walls being a particular feature. Unbroken facades coupled with the height of the buildings create a sense of enclosure. The street is visually and physically enclosed at each end by banks of trees. At the eastern end the grassed turning circle flanked by the 'Old Portcullis' and Essex House provides a frame for the gates leading into the formal parkland. This also marks the end of the 'public' area. To the western end of the High Street The Old Vicarage (grade II-listed) and The Cottage (grade II-listed) form an impressive gateway into the village and further add to the sense of enclosure from the High Street. Pump cottages (grade II-listed) on the opposite corner are a particularly attractive feature with their recently restored stone tiled roofs and decorative timber detailing.
North of the village the distinctive farm buildings and stables (grade II*-listed) contrast with the scale of Badminton House. The backdrop of trees to the north forms a visual boundary to the built area.
To the south of the village there are a number of late 18th and 19th century houses and several thatched cottage ornees, many of which are listed.
Rustic verandas and diamond window panes add to the charm and individuality of the village. The use of local materials, such as Cotswold stone and stone tiles enhances the character of the village, which together with the local vernacular architecture creates a harmonious built form within this high open landscape.