Randonnées Swyncombe St Botolph’s church

Swyncombe : The name comes from the Old English words Swin for wild boar and Cumb or Combe for valley or hollow. Swyncombe House was first established in the 13th century, but by the mid-16th century it was said to be in ruins. It was then rebuilt, but burned down in 1814. The current building dates from 1840. 

St Botolph’s church: Every February the churchyard has a wonderful display of snowdrops and aconites. At this time visitors on a Sunday can usually enjoy home-made tea and cakes and can also buy preserves and pickles. The church itself is named after the patron saint of travellers. It’s of flint construction and was completed in 1020. It belonged to Bec Abbey in Normandy and was probably the poorest of the local parishes. Notable features are the oldest double aumbry (a cabinet for chalices) in England that is still in use; the 14th century bell; the 17th and 18th century stained glass, and the restored medieval wall paintings.