A Local Guide to Lyncombe
An electoral ward and former parish, Lyncombe is a district in the stunning city of Bath. The parish takes its name from the Celtic word ‘cwm’, meaning valley, while ‘Lyn’ owes its part to the river that runs through the district.
A Brief History of Lyncombe
The Manor of Lyncombe was originally ecclesiastical property during the time of Osric, King of the Hwicce in the 7th century. The Domesday Book of 1066 described the Abbot of Bath holding 10 hides in the area, with the land being held by his successor until 1086. In 1302, the Priory of Bath obtained a licence for fairs on the Manor of Lyncbome, the Feast of the Cross, and the Feast of Saint Lawrence.
When Bath became a popular spa town during the Georgian era, Lyncombe Vale was often frequented by the local elite as a spot to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the area, with the likes of Jane Austen enjoying the district during her stays in the city.
The Industrial Revolution saw the area thrive in its manufacture of woollen cloth, with the area closest to the river acting as the heart of business operations.
During the mid-19th century, Lyncombe was officially formed when the parish of Widcombe and Lyncombe was split into two, with the church of St Mark’s becoming the parish church of Lyncombe, and St Matthews becoming the parish church of Widcombe. It existed as a village until the Saxon period, before it became a part of the City of Bath. It was also a part of the hundred of Bath Forum.
Lyncombe was merged with Widcombe at the elections held during May 2019 as part of the local boundary changes.
Location of Lyncombe
The district is centred on the western part of the valley known as Lyncombe Vale, extending down to the urban sector which surrounds the River Avon, just across from the Bath Spa railway station. The northern area of Lyncombe is taken up by Bear Flat, a neighbourhood just south of Bath’s city centre.
Sights to See
Famous for its stunning areas of natural beauty, Lyncombe and Lyncombe Vale offer wonderful spots for walking and taking in the scenery.
The Lyncombe Hill Fields sit on Beechen Cliff, consisting of 10 acres of pasture land dotted with footpaths. Owned by the Bath & North East Somerset Council, the Hills were grazed by horses until as recently as 2018. Under new management with support from the Bear Flat Association, the Hills are soon to be planted with a Tiny Forest, and will be home to a wonderful variety of trees.
Things to Do
Lyncombe Hall is a beautiful Grade II listed building that sits in Lyncombe Vale, perfect to visit during an afternoon walking through the vale. A large house constructed during the 18th century, Lyncombe Hall comprises three storeys, with Palladian windows, stunning limestone ashlar, and slate roofs, set across a steeply sloping site.
Other notable landmarks include the Lyncombe House, adjacent to the spa, which was historically called ‘King James’ Palace’ due to the tradition of James II of England residing there with his consort, Mary of Modena. The House was a popular destination to visit until the 19th century.
There is also the Boundary Wall and Balustrade to Lyncombe Hall, the Tudor Lodge, and the Lyncombe Court. There is also the Rosemount Farm, with its adjoining Rosemount Cottage and Montrose. The Lyncombe Wood District also comprises Churchill and Sandford Villages, with Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides taking place across each area.
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