IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Bath Road, SWINDON, SN6 6DY

The old market cross in Cricklade stands in front of cottages in the corner of the churchyard.

Bath Road was probably once a main road link between here and the city that gives it its name. It is a very minor road now. The town of Cricklade is not only the first town on the Thames it also dates to the 9th century. Some of the local dignitaries reflect this in their sartorial inclinations.

The longer view takes in the Upper Thames Valley, the most select part of the Thames Valley as there are no boats. The properties in the foreground are in Bath Road.

Robert Jenner, a goldsmith, was Member of Parliament for Cricklade from 1628 to 1648. When he died in 1651, his Will contained an endowment for the purchase of land and the provision of a free school. The result was this building, dating from 1652. At some point the money from the endowment probably ran out, because by 1726 it was decided to turn it into a workhouse for the poor, in effect the destitute. It remained so for over a hundred years, but by between 1834 and 1842, after considerable repair work, it had reverted to use as a school. This use continued until 1959. It is now used as a Parish Hall. This is a summary of the much more detailed information given on the excellent website of Cricklade Museum, run by Cricklade Historical Society. Some more photos:- Image Image Image

The 17th century former Jenner's School. Some more photos:- Image

The plaque has been provided by Cricklade Historical Society. Some more photos:- Image

Formerly Jenner's School, on Bath Road. It was built in 1652 and then became a workhouse before reverting to a school again in the 19th century. The rear facing the churchyard can be seen in Image

Cricklade's old market cross stands in the corner of the churchyard of St Sampson's church.

This view was taken looking north along the High Street at its junction with the B4040 Calcutt Street. The Vale Hotel was originally the White Horse Inn, and there is a small but fine clock tower at the junction.

Jenner's School was built in 1652 as a free school, the endowment of Robert Jenner, MP for Cricklade from 1628 to 1648. There is a 19th century extension to the right (not visible in this view) and an 18th century Schoolmaster's house, seen here, has been added on the left. The school is now a community room. Other views of the north fronts of the buildings are at Image and Image The south fronts of the buildings facing the churchyard are at Image The school is listed, grade II*, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1356089 the Schoolmaster's house is listed, grade II, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1023079 Cricklade is the first town downstream on the River Thames. The town was founded by the Anglo-Saxons in the 9th century at the point where the Roman Ermin Way crosses the River Thames. It is one of the thirty burhs (fortified towns) recorded in the Burghal Hidage document, which describes a system of fortresses and fortified towns built around Wessex by King Alfred. The fortifications have been extensively excavated in several places on all four of its sides.