In Corse, you can explore several aspects of the village’s history: the surviving Chartist settlement of Snigs End, St Margaret's Church with building features from different centuries, and paths through the parishes of Corse and Staunton. Together, these themes focus on history and architecture, complemented by opportunities to view the layout of Snigs End on foot or on horseback.
Snigs End and the Chartist Movement
Snigs End is the surviving part of a Chartist settlement founded by Fergus O'Connor in the mid-19th century. Its founding is dated to 1847/1848. Today, the settlement extends across the boundary between Staunton and Corse. It is one of only five Chartist settlements ever completed—a distinctive aspect of its historical significance.
Important areas of Snigs End were designated a Conservation Area in 1976. This designation applies to important areas of the settlement. Its history can therefore be explored through more than individual buildings: the form and layout of the surviving part of the settlement are also part of what there is to see here.
Paths and views of the settlement
The Whitmore Way comprises a series of circular walking routes in the parishes of Corse and Staunton. A path at St Margaret's Church in Corse connects to the southernmost section of the Whitmore Way. Footpaths and bridleways offer a safer way to view the form and layout of Snigs End. This means the focus is not only on individual buildings, but also on the settlement as a whole.
Two different details are useful for orientation: the Whitmore Way refers to the series of circular walking routes; the connection at the church refers to a path and the southernmost section of this route. The path connections are therefore specific, without implying a set walk through all the places mentioned.
St Margaret's Church: medieval and later details
St Margaret's Church is a Grade I listed building dating from the 14th century. Its older features include a Norman font from the 12th century. The north porch is timber-framed and dates from around 1500. These elements reflect different periods in the church’s history. Its setting among apple orchards adds the traditional landscape context to the architectural perspective.
The church also has an exhibition about the development of the Chartist movement and its impact on the local area and architecture. This provides a thematic link to Snigs End. If you wish to visit the exhibition specifically, check visiting arrangements in advance.
Other historical connections
Corse Court is a Grade II* listed building and is considered a timber-framed manor house. The Wildwood adds a landscape dimension to the area’s historical connections: it is considered to be the last surviving part of the medieval Corse Chase hunting forest. These themes offer a different focus from the Chartist history of Snigs End or the church’s individual architectural features. You can therefore explore Corse according to whichever aspect interests you most.
Discover more destinations: Bourton On The Water, Kingscote, Birdlip, Longborough, Staunton, Quenington, Guiting Power, South Cerney.
For the broader travel overview: Gloucestershire.
