The Chartist settlement of Snigs End lies in the parishes of Staunton and Corse and is one of only five settlements of its kind ever completed. This makes it a distinctive historical focus for a stay. At the same time, the surrounding area is predominantly rural, with open fields at all approaches. Choosing Staunton therefore offers a chance to experience its architectural history and landscape as two distinct aspects of the place, rather than assuming there is a set walking route.

Chartist settlement and cottages

Key parts of the settlement were designated a Conservation Area in 1976. This designation provides a second timeline alongside the construction dates of the individual houses. The cottages also reflect very different building histories.

Stone Cottage was built around 1848 to designs by Feargus O’Connor. It has undergone relatively few alterations since it was completed; its floor plan and much of its fabric have been preserved. The floor plan describes the arrangement of the rooms; the preserved fabric refers to the building itself. Copeland's Cottage was built in 1848 by F. O’Connor for the National Co-operative Land Company and is probably one of the least altered houses in the Chartist settlement.

Laburnam Cottage adds an older architectural note. The house probably dates from the 16th or 17th century and has brick-filled timber framing and a thatched roof. This creates a contrast in date with the cottages from 1848.

St James' Church

St James lies just outside the village of Staunton and is a medieval parish church. Parts of the building fabric date from the 12th, 14th, and 15th centuries. The chancel, vestry, and porch were built in 1860 by G. R. Clarke. The church adds another type of building to the history of the houses; its construction phases also span several centuries. Routes to the church are listed as a private road and a public footpath signposted from the lay-by near the church. Check the current access and opening arrangements before your visit.

Rural surroundings and paths

The area's rural character is also reflected in its paths. Footpaths and bridleways run through the village, mostly in a north–south direction. For specific directions, Footpath 13 is particularly relevant: it follows the eastern boundary of the former Chartist estate and can be accessed at the end of School Crescent. This distinguishes the general path network from a single path associated with the former estate. Check current path conditions locally.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

When looking for a hotel in Staunton, you can use the focus of your stay as a starting point: would you mainly like to explore the Chartist settlement and its architectural history, or include the rural surroundings and their network of paths?

Discover more destinations: Charlton Kings, Minchinhampton, Painswick, Cutsdean, Moreton In Marsh, Cirencester, Gloucester, Lower Slaughter

For the broader travel overview: Gloucestershire.