Lechlade

Directory Information

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About Lechlade

The Roundhouse, Lechlade

The Roundhouse, Lechlade

 

Lechlade-on-Thames or Lechlade (once “Letchlade” which explains its pronunciation) is a small town in Gloucestershire about 11 miles east of Cirencester, 12 miles north of Swindon and about 20 miles west of Oxford. It is located at the southern edge of the Cotswolds and it is the highest point at which the River Thames is navigable. The town is named after the River Leach which joins the Thames near here. Lechlade is a popular venue for tourism and river-based activities and it is twinned with the town of La Chapelle-Des-Fougeretz in France.

History

River Thames, Lechlade

River Thames, Lechlade

 

  • A borough and market town from the early 13th century, it later played a part in the Cotswold wool trade. Its chief function, however, was as a staging post for goods and passenger traffic as the village grew on the crossroads of olden roadways between Taunton and London. By the 17th century, cheese was shipped down the river from Lechlade and when the Thames and Severn canal was opened, the inhabitants traded in coal. Late 19th century visitors found it attractive for fishing and boating.
  • St Lawrence’s church, located in the market place is believed to date back to 1255.  There are fragments of the church’s history still found here with the font, a figure of St Agatha and the piscine still visible to today’s visitor.
  • Lechlade now has a vibrant small town feel and the many tourists enjoy exploring the surrounding countryside. There are good mooring facilities in the town as the trading boats have been replaced by pleasure craft.

 Facts

  • Population – 2,759 (2001)
  • Local Authority – Cotswold District Council
  • Major Industries – Tourism; Retail
  • Post Town – FAIRFORD
  • Postcode District – GL7
  • Dialling Code – 01285
  • Police – Gloucestershire Constabulary
  • Fire – Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – Great Western Ambulance Service

 

Discover Lechlade – useful links to town guides, what’s on and places to see

 

St Lawrence Church, Lechlade

St Lawrence Church, Lechlade

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