Bathampton

Bathampton, a semi urban old village in Bath has a few surprises for us.

The St. Nicholas Church, an Anglican Church was first built in the 13th century. Alteration and a tower were added in the 15th century. Admiral Arthur Philip, the first governor of New South Wales Australia was buried in this Church after his death in 1814.  For people looking for information about the history of New South Wales, the "Australia Chapel" in the south aisle which contains memorials and information about Admiral Arthur Philip would be helpful for this purpose.

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Kennet & Avon Canal passes around the edge of this village and is just across the road within walking distance from the church compound. This is a waterway in southern England with an overall length of 87 miles (140 Km). This is made up of two lengths of navigable river linked by a canal. The name is commonly used to refer to the entire length of the waterway rather than solely to the central canal section. From Bristol to Bath, the waterway follows the natural course of the River Avon before the canal links it to the River Kennet at Newbury and from there to Reading at the River Thames. In all, the waterway incorporates 105 locks.

It did cross our minds that in future tour to UK, one of the ways to see some of the country side of England would be via one of these long boats that ply this canal.

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Bathampton would also be remembered for its beer and pub food. We spent two evening in the "The George Inn" which is also a stone throw away from St. Nicholas Church.

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Another surprise we had was when we left Bathampton for Tetbury on 17 August. We needed to pay a one pound toll to cross a bridge. This arc bridge was built of Bath stones in 1872 to allow passage across Avon River. The road on the bridge is only a single track with a give way sign.