Hide

Fonthill Gifford

hide
Hide

"FONTHILL-GIFFORD, a parish in the hundred of Dunworth, county Wilts, 1 mile S.E. of Hindon, its post town, and 16 miles W. of Salisbury. The suffix to its name is derived from the ancient family of Gifford, who once held the estates. The village is small, and wholly agricultural. In this parish was the famous Fonthill Abbey, belonging to William Beckford, Esq., the author of "Vathek". It was built by Wyatt, but shortly after its completion was crushed to ruins by the fall of the immense tower, which rose to a height of 270 feet. It is said never to have been opened to the public but once, when it was lit up to receive Nelson and Lady Hamilton. The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Salisbury, value £351. The church is a handsome structure dedicated to St. Nicholas. There is a National school. The Marquis of Westminster is lord of the manor."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]

 

Hide
topup

Churches

topup

Church Records

  • Common to all parishes is a VRI Chr 1661-1865, Mar 1661-1837 and 1625-1837 BTs

topup

Description & Travel

You can see pictures of Fonthill Gifford which are provided by:

topup

Gazetteers

topup

History

topup

Maps

    You can see maps centred on OS grid reference ST916314 (Lat/Lon: 51.081633, -2.121777), Fonthill Gifford which are provided by:

    topup

    Population

    • Population was 442 in 1831, 220 in 1951.

     

    topup

    Societies

    You can also see Family History Societies covering the nearby area, plotted on a map. This facility is being developed, and is awaiting societies to enter information about the places they cover.