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Kineton village is an old settlement near the top of a steep escarpment on the East side of the Avon Valley and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The English Civil War Battle of Edgehill took place near Kineton on October 23, 1642 and during the battle the Royalist cavalry pursued Parliamentarian forces off the field of battle, and ended up attacking the Parliamentarian baggage train within the village of Kineton itself.
The escarpmemt rises about 350 feet above the plain immediately below and features an unusual castellated buiding, known as Radway Tower. This was built around 1742 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Edgehill, and is now a small Hotel, The Castle Inn.
A new 20 mile signposted walk next to The Castle Inn - the Edgehill to Edgcote trail - takes in 3 of england's most important battlefields, including that of Edgehill, and is well worth walking. This trail is complete with picture and information boards that give an excellent overview of the battle and the site.
There are potentially good views from the top of the escarpment, but there is a belt of trees along the top of the escarpment, which makes it difficult to get an unobstructed view of the battlefield.
The UK's main military ammunition depot is located within Kineton parish, extending over several acres and linked to the main Network Rail system by a small branch line.
South of Kinton lies Upton House, owned by the National Trust. This late 17th-century house houses a significant art collection and has superb terraced gardens.
The magnificent Burton Dassett Hills are just east of Kineton and offer fantastic views over the south Warwickshire countryside, as well as being a superb location for flying kites and mountain biking!
Other nearby villages and hamlets include Compton Verney, Chadshunt, Arlescote, Temple Herdewyke and Gaydon.
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Useful Links to Information on Kineton and organisations within Kineton.
www.kineton.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uptonhouse
www.battlefieldstrust.com - the Battle of Edgehill
Burton Dassett Hills County Park
Weather forecast for Kineton nr Banbury
Google Map of Kineton
Local buses serving Kineton
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