Yatesbury is a small village and former civil parish, now in the parish of Cherhill, in Wiltshire, England. It is in the northeast of Cherhill parish, 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the A4 road approximately 4 miles (6 km) east of Calne and 9 miles (14 km) west of Marlborough.
Yatesbury was an ancient parish and in the 19th century became a civil parish, which was absorbed by Cherhill parish on 1 April 1934.[1][2] In 1931 the parish had a population of 140.[3] Yatesbury today has a population of about 150. Whilst having no shops or amenities, the village is on National Cycle Route 403.[4] It is noted for RAF Yatesbury, which was an important training centre during World War II.
Landmarks
The Church of Englandparish church of All Saints has 12th-century origins, and 13th-century work can be seen inside; the nave roof and tower are 15th-century. There is a canonical sundial on the south wall. The chancel was rebuilt in 1854 by C.H. Gabriel, and the church was designated as Grade I listed in 1960.[5]
The nearest primary school is at Cherhill. Yatesbury had its own small school from 1856 to 1963; after the school closed the building became the village hall.[7]
Opened as a Royal Flying Corps training site in 1916,[9] the station closed three years later and returned to farmland.[10] Pilot training resumed in 1936, then from 1939 the site was used to train many airborne wireless operators and, from 1942, radar operators.[11][12] Training of radar operators, mechanics and fitters continued until 1965;[12] in 1969 the wooden huts were demolished and the land returned again to farming, leaving several brick-built buildings and hangars.[13]
Notable people
The singer, songwriter and author Julian Cope has lived in the village for many years.[14] He referenced the village in the song My Wall in which he collaborated with the American drone metal band Sunn 0))), as well as in his 2013 publication, Copendium.
