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 The River Thames
The Parish Church
Places of interest around Lechlade
Lechlade (once Letchlade, which explains its pronunciation), is situated beside the Thames about 11 miles east of Cirencester, 12 miles north of Swindon and about 20 miles west of Oxford. A borough and market town from the early 13th century, it later played a part in the Cotswold wool trade. Its chief function, however, was as a staging post for goods and passenger traffic. By the 17th century, cheese was shipped down the river from Lechlade and when the Thames and Severn canal was opened, the inhabitants traded in coal. Late 19th century visitors found it attractive for fishing and boating.
Over the years, the town has grown to its current population of just under 3000, which means a mix of old and new property. In particular, the centre of the town has a number of interesting old buildings and shops. The latter still serve the residents with their day to day needs. The church of St Lawrence, well worth a visit, dominates the market square. Although the present building was completed in 1476, there is evidence of the existence of a church in the 13th century.
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