Winchcombe - Early History

Early History

The Belas Knap Neolithic long barrow on a hilltop above Winchcombe, was constructed from about 3000 BC Later, during Anglo-Saxon times, Winchcombe was a chief city of Mercia favoured by Coenwulf; the others being Lichfield and Tamworth. Subsequently, during the 11th century, the town was briefly the county town of Winchcombeshire. The Anglo-Saxon saint St. Kenelm is believed to be buried in the town. In the Restoration period, Winchcombe was noted for cattle rustling and other lawlessness, caused in part by poverty. In an attempt to earn a living, local people grew tobacco as a cash crop, despite this practice having being outlawed since the Commonwealth. Soldiers were sent in on at least one occasion to destroy the illegal crop.

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