Huntley

This small, thriving village on the edge of the Forest situated on the A40 road from Gloucester to Ross-on-Wye was here, with its own church, at least as early as 1100 A.D. Itgrew up at the foot of the Forest escarpment at the junction of two important Forest roads, the Gloucester-Ross road and the Gloucester-Mitcheldean road - both of which had their origins in the Roman period. These were both turn-piked in 1726 and the Toll House, which was built in c1830 still stands at the junction.

A mainly agricultural parish, Huntley was early manor but is mainly notable for its Church of St John the Baptist, . The original Norman 12ht century church was demolished in 1861 except for its tower, during a major restoration undertaken by Teulon, the famous architect who was notable for his Decorated Gothic interpretations of earlier church building styles. The rebuilding was paid for by Huntley's rector, Daniel Capper, who gave the architect free reign and the resulting church proved to be one of Teulon's most enterprising and original designs, Teulon also built Huntley Manor (a mile to the North West) which, thanks to its decorated turrets has been described as a French chateau but in reality was another original design.

Photographs of Huntley village and the church

Tourist Information

The old Red Lion public house is well worth a visit. Just up the road at the junction with the Monmouth Road, stands a typical old Toll House, built during the days of the first turnpike roads, and walking further up, you will be able to visit the parish church, and beside it, the old village school which is still in use. There is an excellent garden centre close to the church which is well worth a visit. Nearby is the impressive May Hill, with commanding 50 mile views. Newent

Accommodation

Forest Gate - Bed & Breakfast The Vineary, Solomons Tump (Self catering)

Nearest Bank

The nearest banks are at Mitcheldean and Newent

Shops

The village has several small family run shops, including an excellent traditional butcher's shop, and a post office.

Local Schools

Huntley C. of E. Primary School - Tel: 01452 830510 The local secondary schools are:
Newent Community School, Newent
Dene Magna Community School, Mitcheldean

Churches

St. John the Baptist

It is thought that the original church at Huntley was built about 1100 AD. It was certainly here in 1075 when it was listed amongst the posessions of the Benedictine Priory in Monmouth Castle. There is also record of it belonging to Monmouth Priory in a list of churches confirmed by the Bishop of Hereford in 1144. The stonework of the tower is dated to have been built around 1100.

The church was virtually totally reconstructed in 1862 during the Victorian era of church building, and with the exception of the tower, is new work by the architect S. S. TEULON. In the main, he used local red sandstone, with quoins and dressings of a contrasting local limestone. A new spire was added to the old tower.

The church bells include some which are very old, and which are still in use. The oldest is dated 1420, and bears the inscription "W. F., I. T., R. B. Bayli of Huntley, 1420". These refer to the churchwardens and the Earl of Shrewsbury's bailiff, as Huntley was at that time part of the Earl's estate. This bell has been ringing here for almost 600 years! The fourth bell bears an inscription in Latin, translated as "God save noble King James 1616".  The tenor bell is dated 1670 and on it is marked the names of the "Churche Wardens" Joseph WHYE and Thomas DRAPER.

More photographs of the church and of Huntley

Old Church Records for family historians