Acton Turville 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 Acton Turville is situated approximately two miles south of Badminton, near the Wiltshire border. It is strategically placed at the junction of several local routes and is surrounded by the open fields of the Cotswolds. The buildings are set close to the carriageways and combine a mixture of styles and materials with local stone predominating. Acton Turville is located within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
History
The old canopied well which stands on the small green was originally the site of a sanctuary dating from Saxon times indicating that the area was probably a settlement during this period and possibly before. The Church of St Mary (grade II*-listed), although much altered, dates from around the 12th century and still retains relics of the old church, including a Norman font, an early decorated arch over the doorway, relics of another arch on the north wall and a fine early English bellcote. Alterations were made in the 13th and 15th centuries before the church was restored and rebuilt in 1853 by T H Wyatt when the north aisle and vestry were added.
During the 17th century the village became part of Badminton Estate, its main economic activity being farming. Church Farm and Hollybush Farm (grade II-listed) with their associated beams and agricultural buildings remain strong features within the village today. Some of the buildings, particularly the schoolhouse (grade II-listed) are characteristic of the 19th century building style of Badminton Estate.
Acton Turville's close proximity to Chipping Sodbury, a mediaeval trading centre and the existence of Pike Cottage (grade II-listed), a tollhouse dating from the 18th century turnpike era, suggests that the village was located on an important transportation route, probably to London. No doubt the Fox and Hounds provided accommodation and stabling for travellers.
Character
The village is compact and centres around the village green and well. This is surrounded by a fine collection of buildings with steeply pitched roofs which create a sense of enclosure relieved by narrow views across farmland to the south-east. A considerable variety of building styles can be found in Acton Turville and include traditional domestic and farm buildings, farm workers' cottages, larger, more formal properties and of course the turnpike.
The predominant building material is Cotswold stone, although a wider range of materials can be found on the later buildings. Many buildings retain their traditional Cotswold stone slate roofs which offer texture and a variety of tones to complement the building fascades.
The Cotswold stone walls are also an important feature of the village, defining the carriageway and individual property boundaries often with imposing gate piers and iron gates.
St Mary's Church is situated behind the village and can be accessed by a public right of way. The mature trees and green space around the church create a tranquil atmosphere which complements the historic interest of the church.
The dovecote in the gable of one of the outbuildings of Church Farm can be viewed from here.
Acton Turville is a typical Cotswold village which retains many traditional features and examples of building types which relate to its historical development. These individual elements combine to form a rich and pleasing environment.