In memory of another well-known and much loved Langley Burrell man - Robert William Guy Whitrow 1963 - 2023 of Kilvert’s Parsonage. It was his passion and foresight that this and The Heritage Trail were produced to keep the walks and memories alive of this remarkable diarist.
Kilvert's Trail
Introduction
The Rev Francis Kilvert 1840 – 1879 wrote diaries portraying everyday Victorian life. These were kept in many notebooks during his relatively short life, sadly, most of which were destroyed. Thankfully, 22 notebooks remain and these have been published in three volumes. His work has been acknowledged to be as important as that of Samuel Pepys.
Born in Hardenhuiush, Chippenham and educated there and at Wadham College, Oxford, he became Curate to his father, the Rev Robert Kilvert, at St Peter’s Church, Langley Burrell. He lived in the village of Langley Burrrell with his family at The Parsonage, moving to Clyro in Wales to take up the chaplaincy there. He moved back to Langley Burrell, then ended his days in Brewardine, Herefordshire.
Francis Kilvert loved to walk, both as part of his work to visit his parishioners and for pleasure as you are doing now. He truly loved the countryside and nature, and wrote on 31 August 1874 “I love to wander on these soft, mournful autumn days, alone among the quiet, peaceful, solitary meadows, tracing out the ancient overgrown footpaths and mossy stiles between farm and hamlet, village and town, musing on the many feet that have trodden these ancient and well nigh deserted and almost forgotten ways and walking in the footsteps of generations that have gone before and passed away.”
In the Kilvert Trail we have tried to cover a few of the many paths and places he would have crossed, with extracts from his diaries at the places they relate to. We have not included the history of the listed buildings you will pass but if you wish to know more, click on The Gazetteer, then on the place you wish to know about, and you will find this information.
I am sure there is no need to ask that you will respect the properties you visit and do not go onto the owners’ land, but please ensure that this is done, as we do not want to lose the kind permission each owner has given to be a part of this Trail.
We do hope you enjoy your walks in our lovely countryside as Kilvert did, and find his diary extracts helpful and, in some cases, amusing.
- All
Flying at Allington Walk
The walk named after the Squire at Bulwich/Bolehyde Manor who tried to fly off his wall. Visiting both Kington St Michael and Kington Langley. Memories of meeting his love, Ettie, and back home to Langley Burrell.
Read MoreSkating at Draycot Walk
Taking you past where Kilvert used to meet his love, Ettie. On to where his grandparents lived and then to where he used to skate with friends by the light of lanterns and flaming torches. Back across fields and woodland, and wildflower meadows.
Read MoreEastern Parish Walk
Tracing Kilvert’s walks from Langley Burrell, then across meadows to Tytherton Lucas and on to East Tytherton, where you’ll find the Moravian church. Passing Avon Manor Farm to Kellaways and the raised section of Maud Heaths Causeway, then back to the Langley Tap for refreshments.
Read MoreIn memory of another well-known and much loved Langley Burrell man - Robert William Guy Whitrow 1963 - 2023 of Kilvert’s Parsonage. It was his passion and foresight that this and The Heritage Trail were produced to keep the walks and memories alive of this remarkable diarist.