IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Lydiard Tregoze, SWINDON, SN5 3PA

The plunge pool or cold bath was once thought to be a boat-house until it was excavated and its true purpose identified. It was built in about 1820. More can be read here http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5652616871_4d1700419c_o.jpg about the alleged benefits of cold bathing.

From near the spillway looking south-west. Heavy cloud hangs over the mature trees of the parkland beyond.

Recently restored with grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The railed enclosure within the churchyard of St Mary is early/mid 19th century. There is no visible feature within the enclosure. Listed, grade II, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1023472 Just to the rear of the manor house at Lydiard Park is the parish church of St Mary. The earliest parts of the church are 13th century with additions and alterations in the 15th and 17th centuries. The church has many fine monuments to the St John family including the Golden Cavalier, a full-size effigy of Edward St John, who died of injuries sustained in the Battle of Newbury, English Civil War. The church is currently undegoing restoration and entry is not possible. Listed, grade I, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1023470

Within the churchyard of St Mary are many fine chest tombs. This group of 9 are listed, grade II, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1023473 Just to the rear of the manor house at Lydiard Park is the parish church of St Mary. The earliest parts of the church are 13th century with additions and alterations in the 15th and 17th centuries. The church has many fine monuments to the St John family including the Golden Cavalier, a full-size effigy of Edward St John, who died of injuries sustained in the Battle of Newbury, English Civil War. The church is currently undegoing restoration and entry is not possible. Listed, grade I, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1023470

View across the lake in Lydiard Park showing Lydiard House.

Home of the Golden Cavalier erected by Sir John St John in honour of his son Edward 1640s

More about the Palladian mansion can be discovered in the description to this image Image The house was rescued from ruination when it was purchased for peanuts in 1943 by Swindon Corporation. I understand that by that time the family who had owned it for centuries were down to one member and no money. As the roof deteriorated the surviving aristocrat retreated from room to room in search of one where the rain hadn't yet penetrated. There weren't many of them left when the council stepped in.