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Southam is a small historic coaching and market town situated in the heart of rural Warwickshire close to the old Roman road, the Fosse Way. It is also the home of Warwickshire Polo with the superb Dallas Burston Polo Grounds just on the edge of town.
The town is first mentioned at the end of the tenth century, although there were probably earlier Anglo Saxon and Roman settlements. It was a stopping place on the route of the Welsh Drovers and later coaching routes to London. Today the town retains many interesting historical buildings and has been designated as a conservation area.
Interestingly in medieval times, Southam minted its own local currency as the local people found ordinary coins too high in value for everyday use. Charles I is said to also have minted coins here for his troops after the battle of Edgehill in 1642. The Old Mint 14th century stone building still stands and is now a popular pub.
The Lilley Smith Memorial marks the site of the country’s first free Provident Dispensary established in 1818.
The water that flowed from the ancient Holy Well was said to have healing properties, with the well considered to be of such importance to the people of the town that it was excluded from the Enclosure Act of 1761.
The only swing in a public park in Warwickshire capable of taking a child in his/her wheelchair can be found at the Recreation Ground, Southam. There is also an accessible roundabout and a wobble bridge. Please note that a RADAR key is required to unlock the wheelchair swing.
There is also an accessible trail leading to the historic Holy Well in the outstanding beauty of the Stowe valley. The path starts at the end of Wattons Lane (bottom corner of the Recreation Ground by the bridge and runs parallel to the Stowe river. Note: RADAR keys are also required for the kissing gates).
Nearby villages include Napton on the Hill, said to be the final resting place of the The Lost Ark of the Covenant.
Other nearby villages and hamlets include Priors Marston, Bishops Itchington, Harbury, Long Itchington, Offchurch, Ladbroke, Stockton and Ufton.
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Useful Links to Information on Southam and organisations within Southam.
warkcom.net/visitsoutham
www.naptonfestival.co.uk
Podcast on Southam - award winning Shakespeare Country podcast
Weather forecast for Southam nr Leamington Spa
Google Map of Southam
Local buses serving Southam |