Lacock Village

Most of the scenes from Colin Firth's Pride and Prejudice was filmed at Lacock, plus amongst many others Moll Flanders, Cranford Chronicles, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the half Blood Prince,, The Woman in Black, Tom Brown's schooldays and Emma.  When you visit, its obvious why it has become one of the chosen setting for many costume dramas.

Since 1944 it has been owned by the National Trust and today is home to pubs, shops and tea-rooms. Chief amongst Lacock's attractions is the abbey.  This remarkable institution was founded in 1232 by Ella, Countess of Salisbury.  Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 it was bought by Sir Willian Sharington for the sum of £783 and converted to a country house, although much of the medieval architecture has been  preserved.  The cloisters, chapter house, nun's kitchen complete wit cauldron and 16th century brewery are well worth a visit.

Past owners of the abbey include the Talbot family, made famous by William Henry Fox Talbot who is known as 'the father of modern photography after he invented the negative. In 1975 the Fox Talbot Museum was opened at Lacock to celebrate his work. Telephone Abbey (01249 730227) and Museum (01249 730459).