Population 2,534 (2011 census) Civil parish Kintbury Region South East Area 34.92 km² Dialling code 01488 | OS grid reference SU3867 Ceremonial county Berkshire Country England Local time Tuesday 2:57 PM UK parliament constituency Newbury | |
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Weather 14°C, Wind W at 19 km/h, 74% Humidity | ||
Britains toughest villages kintbury
Kintbury is a village and civil parish in West Berkshire, England, between the towns of Newbury and Hungerford. Kintbury was named by the Sunday Times in 2007 as one of the 'top ten most sought-after villages in England'.
Contents
- Britains toughest villages kintbury
- Map of Kintbury UK
- Amenities
- Transport
- History
- Sport and leisure
- Notable residents
- References
Map of Kintbury, UK
The village has a convenient railway to London and Reading, proximity to other transport and local cultural destinations, including Roman and Norman sites, and forms part of a very large Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Wessex Downs which extends from the River Thames at Streatley to West Wiltshire.
Amenities
The key amenities in the village include the Church of England parish church of Saint Mary, Church of England primary school, post office, corner shop, and a butcher's. A Roman Catholic youth retreat and work centre, St Cassian's Centre, is south-west of the village centre, between Inglewood and Titcomb. There are three pubs in the village; The Blue Ball, The Dundas Arms and The Prince Of Wales. The village also boasts various sports facilities including tennis, bowls and football clubs, as well as an indoor sports centre.
Transport
Kintbury railway station in the village is served by local services from Reading and Newbury to Great Bedwyn. The Kennet and Avon Canal, drawing on most of the water in the River Kennet at this point in most seasons, runs through the village at Kintbury Lock. A horse drawn widebeam narrowboat runs public trips from Kintbury, either towards Newbury or towards Hungerford.
History
Kintbury was spelt Cynetanbyrig in the 10th century and Kenetebury in the 13th century. After Saint Birinus converted the people of Berkshire to Christianity in the mid 7th century, minsters soon became established in the county from which priests were sent out into the countryside. One such was founded at Kintbury, possibly it was the 'holy place' mentioned in the will of the Saxon thegn, Wulfgar, in 935. Although this is often considered to have been a monastery, Kintbury Abbey. From the second spelling and contemporary spelling of the River Kennet the origin of the name is clear - a bury or borough being a defended settlement.
Sport and leisure
The village holds an annual "Ray Boxshall Orienteering Fun Day". An orienteering event named after Ray Boxshall who was heavily involved in running the event in the years before he died. Kintbury has two amateur drama societies - The Kintbury Players (who generally perform comedic plays), and also St Mary's Drama Group who perform an annual pantomime in the Easter half term holiday.
Kintbury has a thriving Sports and Leisure centre - the Kintbury Jubilee Centre, run by the community for the community. With fitness classes, clubs, and hall available to hire. Kintbury Jubilee Centre.
Kintbury is also home to North Berks Football League club Kintbury Rangers F.C., who play at the Recreation Ground. Notable former players include Southampton F.C striker Charlie Austin and former Everton player Brett Angell.