Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire
A view south over Bradford-on-Avon as seen from the Tory, with Holy Trinity Church in the foreground. The first settlement grew up around the 'broad ford' on the River Avon, which gave rise to the place-name of 'Bradford'. The earliest documentary evidence for the place comes in the Anglo-Saxon chronicle. In 652, Cenwalh, the King of Wessex, fought a battle at Bradonforde be afne. We also know that a small monastic settlement existed here by 705 and that St. Aldhelm was abbot. This existed along the north-western bank of the river, westwards from the site of the present Holy Trinity church. The foundation of the Saxon church of St. Lawrence could originally date from this early period and would have served both monks and the secular community. The village itself was to the south of the river at this time, on and around St. Margaret's Hill.
