🏰 Scheduled Ancient Monument · Est. 1086

Help Us Restore 800 Years of Cotswold Heritage

A medieval moated manor, historic fishponds and a Norman church — once freely enjoyed for over 200 years — now at risk. WSE Heritage CIC is fighting to bring it back to the community.

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800+
Years of Heritage to Protect
6
Hectares of Heritage Land
142
Supporters & Counting

⚠ Public Access Blocked Since 2023

In 2023, a hostile developer acquired the heritage site and restricted access to footpaths that the community of Weston-sub-Edge and wider Gloucestershire had freely enjoyed for over 200 years. We are raising funds to purchase the land and return it to the community — permanently.

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Why We Exist

Our Three Pillars of Heritage

WSE Heritage CIC was formed to protect, restore and open up one of Gloucestershire's finest hidden historic sites.

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Restore the Moat

We are investigating funding to re-establish the flooded moat system — a Scheduled Ancient Monument — and the potential rebuilding of the original Giffard Manor, which stood here from the 12th century until around 1800.

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Reopen Public Access

The 6-hectare site will once again be open for the public to walk their dogs, explore the historic landscape, and reconnect with the ancient footpaths that pass through the heart of Weston-sub-Edge.

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Fund Archaeology

As primary stakeholder with the National Heritage Office, we will manage archaeological works on the site, sharing all findings publicly and contributing to the national understanding of medieval Cotswold life.

Aerial illustration of the Weston-sub-Edge heritage site showing the medieval moat, fishponds and adjacent Norman church
The Heritage Site

A Scheduled Ancient Monument at Risk

The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument listed by Historic England. Its centrepiece is a perfectly square medieval moat approximately 92 metres across and up to 20 metres wide — the remains of the prestigious Giffard Manor House, home of the Giffard family for over 400 years.

Adjacent fishponds, which supplied the manor with fresh fish throughout the medieval period, also survive on site. Together with the adjacent Norman parish church of St. John the Baptist & St. Lawrence, this forms one of the most complete medieval heritage landscapes in Gloucestershire.

Explore the Site
Through the Ages

900 Years of History

From the Domesday Book to the present day — the remarkable story of Weston-sub-Edge.

1086

Domesday Book

The village is recorded as "Westone" in William the Conqueror's great survey — evidence of settlement stretching back to Saxon times.

c.1100

The Giffard Family Arrive

The manor passes to the Giffard family through marriage. Hugh Giffard builds the first moated manor house on the site — a symbol of Norman prestige and power.

13th Century

The Church is Built

Godfrey Giffard — Bishop of Worcester and Lord Chancellor to Henry III — constructs the parish church of St. John the Baptist & St. Lawrence, which stands to this day adjacent to the moat.

1315

The Great Altar Stone

A single-stone altar — still visible in the church today — is consecrated. Alongside it, the Kiftsgate Stone serves as the ancient Saxon meeting point for the "Court of the Hundred."

1612

The Olimpick Games

Robert Dover founds the Cotswold "Olimpick" Games on Dover's Hill, just outside the village — the world's first organised Olympic-style competition, approved by King James I.

1981

The Civil War Hoard

309 coins — 307 silver and 2 gold — dating from Edward VI to Charles I are discovered hidden in a lead pipe beneath the village hall. Now on display at the Corinium Museum, Cirencester.

2023

Access Blocked — WSE Heritage CIC Formed

A hostile developer acquires the site and blocks 200+ years of community access. WSE Heritage CIC is formed to purchase the land and restore it to public hands — permanently.

Read the Full History
Latest Updates

Follow Our Progress

Stay connected with campaign milestones, community events, and archaeological discoveries.

The Norman church adjacent to the Weston-sub-Edge moated site at dusk
Campaign Update

WSE Heritage CIC Formally Registered

Our Community Interest Company is now officially registered on Companies House. We are beginning engagement with the National Heritage Office as primary site stakeholders.

Aerial view of the Weston-sub-Edge heritage site and moat
Heritage News

Site Confirmed as Scheduled Ancient Monument

Historic England has confirmed the site's status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument — strengthening our case for heritage funding and public access restoration.

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Community

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for weekly updates, site photography and community announcements as the campaign develops.

All News & Updates
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There Are Many Ways to Help

From donating and volunteering to spreading the word — every action brings us closer to restoring this irreplaceable piece of English heritage.

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