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LETCOMBE BASSETT
The origins of the village name probably meant that it was a valley of a man called Leoda. However an alternative theory is that "Ledecumbe", comes from the "lede in the combe" - "the brook in the valley", whilst a perhaps more imaginative theory is that onlookers of a nearby battle between Alfred and the Danes shouted "Let it come, Let it come!" as the blood poured down the hillside and into the river. In 1158 "Bassett" was added to the name from the name of Richard Basset, who then owned the manor, to identify it from the nearby possessions of the Crown. On the south edge of the village opposite the racing stables is the attractive little parish church of St Michael and All Angels which has a 12th century chancel and nave. For the history and full information about the parish church of St Michael and All Angels click here. About half a mile to the south east of the village is Letcombe Castle, a Ridgeway hill fort which is also known as Segsbury Camp. Letcombe Basset is about two miles south-west of Wantage |
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