A little history of Chilton Foliat

Chilton Foliat

Chilton Foliat is a village and civil parish in Wiltshire, England, situated on the River Kennet near the Berkshire border. The area has a rich history, with the ancient parish straddling the Wiltshire/Berkshire border. In 1895, the Berkshire portion, including the village of Leverton and the Chilton Lodge estate, was transferred to Hungerford civil parish.

The village is home to several notable buildings, including the Church of England parish church of Saint Mary, dating from around 1300, and the Old Rectory, a mid-18th-century residence. The Chilton Foliat Village Hall, originally called the Church Room, was built in 1895 and has served as a community hub for various events and functions.

During World War II, the area around Chilton Foliat hosted American soldiers, with the village hall occupied by the YMCA to provide rest and relaxation for the troops. Additionally, U.S. Army paratroopers trained with their British counterparts on the estate of Lady Ward in 1942 before deploying to North Africa.

Today, Chilton Foliat remains a picturesque village, reflecting its historical significance and the enduring spirit of its community.