More than meets the eye

The more time we spend at Sandfields Barn, the more we learn about the village’s past and present. Here are just a few interesting findings about Luddington that conclude with where to enjoy a cold beer after a hard day’s work on site!

Past…

• There is evidence to suggest that William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in the original church of Luddington in 1582, which was then burnt down and replaced in the 19^th century
• Descendants of Anne Hathaway, namely John Hathaway and his son, were tenant farmers of Luddington’s Manor Farm from 1706-1775
• The oldest building in the village is part of Boddington Farm, the easternmost building in the village dating back from 1600
• In Luddington you will find a 17th century lock, a village green and a recently refurbished village hall originally built in 1953
• Stratford Racecourse which neighbours the village has hosted steeplechasing since 1755

Present…

• Luddington is situated only 2.68miles (4.31 kilometres) from Royal Shakespeare Theatre
• The Countess of Evesham, the popular 70ft restaurant cruiser, travels down the River Avon from Stratford upon Avon  to Luddington and back by day and night
• Stratford Racecourse, neighbouring the village, has won awards for the care of its track and is among the top flight of Britain’s’ smaller racecourses
• Luddington hosts several annual events including Christmas Eve carols on the village green and a summer fete
• Neighbouring Welford on Avon is home to the nearest pub, The Four Alls, a quintessentially English countryside pub with a gorgeous riverside aspect www.fouralls.com