Key facts
OS grid ref: ST881305
Postcode: SP3
Post town: Salisbury
What3words: ///never.standards.panel
Unitary Authority: Wiltshire
Parliamentary Constituency: South West Wiltshire
East Knoyle
Set in rolling downlands, East Knoyle is a classic, historic Wiltshire village sat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now referred to as National Landscape.
It’s nine or 10 miles from Warminster, a journey of around 20 minutes, and five miles from the iconic ‘Hovis’ market town of Shaftesbury. It includes the hamlets of Holloway, Milton, The Green, Underhill and Upton.
There’s a strong sense of community, with a local parish website and newsletter which acts as a resource keeping locals up to date with village news and events including in a host of clubs, societies and activities.
Every week the local choir meets to rehearse folk, pop, jazz and world music, and songs from the musicals – encouraging others to join with the caveat: “There are no auditions, no requirement to read music, no joining fee. We only ask for a £1 donation each week to cover our expenses. Individually we may not be fabulous singers, but we find plenty to laugh about and together make a joyful sound.”
In the centre of the village is a Grade II listed village hall that sits between the church and the old schoolhouse, as well as a community-owned shop and Post Office, a children’s play area, and a war memorial built after WWI in 1920.
The village’s country pub on The Green is called the Fox and Hounds, serving largely locally-sourced food in a picturesque, thatched, black and white cottage that dates back to the 15th Century. In the colder months two open hearths make the pub a cosy haven.
Salisbury Reds operate a bus route through the village.
History
East Knoyle has two claims to fame! It was the family home of Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s third wife. The King visited the village in their courtship. It was also the birthplace of world-famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren. His father was the local vicar who lived at Knoyle Rectory, now called Knoyle Place. A stone alongside the main road declares that Wren was an “architect, mathematician and patriot”.
As well as its famous residents, the village has a rich history. The Saxon Church of St Mary dates back more than 1,000 years – the plasterwork in the chancel is unique and designed by Sir Christopher Wren’s father.
The Throdmill is a windmill that stands on Windmill Hill and has stunning views across Blackmore Vale and dates back hundreds of years. It stopped being a working mill around 1930 and nowadays it’s a stunning home.
Near to East Knoyle is a Woodland Trust nature reserve, Puckwell Coppice, and Mackintosh Davidson Wood. The Coppice has a pagan well, where farmers would leave bread and milk out for the Puck, a hobgoblin who lived in the well, to prevent bad luck falling on their families.
Walking and cycling
Visit Wiltshire features “Walking the Knoyles in the footsteps of Sir Christopher Wren”. It’s a circular walk of about 5½ miles which starts in the car park of the Village Hall and takes you past lots of places of historic and natural interest with points marked.
