The village of Olveston lies some 3 miles south-west of Thornbury and 9 miles north of Bristol at the southern end of the Vale of Berkeley. The fine alluvial soil of the Seven flood plain are excellent for farming especially for grazing cattle; the Romans began the process of draining the salt marshes - and built a dyke to prevent flooding from the River Seven - and agricultural activities remained the mainstay of the local economy through to the mid-20th century. The Saxon King Edwy gifted Olveston to Bath Abbey in 955 and it remained under their control until the Dissolution when it was sold to Sir Ralph Sadlier. The church of St.Mary was built around 1170 on the site of a Saxon church, it was largely rebuilt in the 14th century and again in the 17th with a further rebuild in 1841. The Quakers (Society of Friends) had a large presence in Olveston from 1654 to 1868, their Meeting House of 1670 has now been converted into a private house. The Methodist Chapel dates fro 1820. Near to St.Mary`s is the 17th century White Hart Inn, a popular stopping point for travellers wishing to use the Aust Ferry (about two miles to the east) across the Seven when time or tide made it impracticable to cross. There are many other fine buildings in Olveston, from the Olveston Court with it`s 15th century wall and gatehouse; Cromwell House, which still showns some features of it`s cider house past, to the terrace of stone cottages on the south side of the church. A walk around the village green shows why Olveston was designated a conservation are (in 1975), the large houses, duck pond and mature trees all giving an air of openness and grandeur to this fine South Gloucestershire village.
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Places to Stay near Olveston
Roylands Farm Cottage (1.31 miles)
Roylands Farm Cottage is situated in beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Bristol and within a 5 minute drive of the Almondsbury interchange where the M4 and the M5 meet. It truly is the perfect ... More | visit website
Crossover House (2.00 miles)
If you are a business person who’s had enough of hotels or someone looking to stay where service is a bit special, look no further. At Crossover House we pride ourselves on providing well equipped bed ... More | visit website
Thornbury Golf Lodge (2.05 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
Offering stunning views of its 2 golf courses and the surrounding countryside, the Thornbury Golf Lodge fuses a traditional farmhouse exterior with a comfortably refurbished ... More
Premier Inn Bristol Alveston (2.22 miles)
Almondsbury Interchange Hotel (2.33 miles)
Set in a prime location on the outskirts of Bristol, this hotel is only 10 minutes from Bristol Parkway Rail Station and is easily located close to the M4 and M5. ... More
Travelodge Bristol Severn View M48 (2.45 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
Hilton Bristol (2.84 miles)
The Hilton Bristol Hotel's modern comforts contrast well with the treasures of the past which can be enjoyed in the area, such as the SS. Great Britain, at the city docks, Chepstow Castle ... More
Thornbury Castle (2.88 miles)
Thornbury Castle was built in 1510 by Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Constable of all England. It was also once owned by Henry VIII who stayed here with Anne Boleyn during their honeymoon ... More | visit website
Aztec Hotel & Spa (2.95 miles)
Well Cottage (3.16 miles)
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