West Wycombe is a small village and civil parish in Buckinghamshire, England, known for its manor houses and hills. It is west of High Wycombe.

The historic village is largely a National Trust property and receives a large annual influx of tourists visiting West Wycombe Park, West Wycombe Caves and the Mausoleum on top of West Wycombe Hill. The Mausoleum and Golden Ball above West Wycombe village are local landmarks.

West Wycombe Park, Caves, Mausoleum and St Lawrence's Church were all constructed in the mid-18th century by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the Dilettanti Society and co-founder of the Hellfire Club.

History

Early history

thumb|left|A gold, [[British Bronze Age|Bronze Age penannular ring found in West Wycombe in 1985]]

The hill above West Wycombe (now the site of St Lawrence's Church and the Mausoleum) has been continuously inhabited for centuries. A Bronze Age settlement is widely believed to have existed here, and research suggests there was a pagan temple in a similar style to Stonehenge. The earliest known settlement is an Iron Age ditch and rampart contour camp dating from the fourth or fifth century BC. A Roman settlement later occupied West Wycombe Hill, and local historians believe a temple was constructed here (though the exact site remains unknown).

The Swan is a Grade II listed public house. It is on the Campaign for Real Ale's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Built in the 18th century, The Swan was refitted and extended in 1932 by Wheelers Wycombe brewery.

West Wycombe is also a civil parish in Wycombe district.

See also

  • West Wycombe Park
  • West Wycombe Caves
  • West Wycombe Park Polo Club

References

  • West Wycombe Village website, listing all business for tourism and information
  • West Wycombe Village and Hill information at the National Trust
  • West Wycombe Parish Council