About Aldbourne
Historical Significance
Filming location
nature
Community
about Aldbourne
A Historical Village
Aldbourne is a quintessential English village that offers a blend of historical charm, cultural significance, and natural beauty. Its role as a filming location for popular TV series like “Doctor Who” and “Band of Brothers” has added to its appeal, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its picturesque setting and rich heritage.
Historical Significance
History: Aldbourne has a rich history that dates back to the Saxon era. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, highlighting its long-standing significance in the region. The village has several historic buildings, including the 12th-century St. Michael’s Church, which showcases beautiful architecture and centuries-old craftsmanship.
Architecture: The village is characterized by its traditional thatched cottages, quaint streets, and a beautiful village green. Many of the buildings in Aldbourne reflect classic English architectural styles, making it a favorite spot for visitors seeking an authentic countryside experience.
The Real Band of Brothers Village: From September 1943 until the eve of D-Day, Aldbourne was home to the men of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne – the American paratroopers whose story became Stephen Ambrose’s Band of Brothers and the acclaimed HBO series. This wasn’t a filming location. This was the real thing.
The soldiers were billeted in stables, Nissen huts and village homes. The Crown served as Easy Company’s headquarters and communications centre; the Blue Boar, across the green, was the officers’ local. Dick Winters – the company’s legendary commander – walked these lanes in his dress uniform, and villagers of the time remembered the huts, the jeeps, and young Americans developing a taste for Wiltshire lardy cake. In May 1944 they left for their marshalling airfield in Devon and, in the early hours of 6 June, dropped into Normandy.
If you’ve watched the series and want to stand where it really happened, this is the village to visit.
Walking the Easy Company trail? We’re on The Square, two minutes from the Crown – breakfast before, coffee and cake after.
BOOK A TABLE
Aldbourne as a Filming Location
Doctor Who: The viewers of “Doctor Who” might know about Aldbourne as it served as a filming location for the iconic British TV series. The village was featured in the 1971 serial “The Dæmons,” which starred Jon Pertwee as the Doctor. The picturesque setting of Aldbourne provided a perfect backdrop for the show’s storyline, blending seamlessly with the show’s fantastical elements.
Band of Brothers: Aldbourne also gained fame as a filming location for the critically acclaimed miniseries “Band of Brothers.” The series, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, depicted the experiences of Easy Company during World War II. Aldbourne was used to represent the English countryside where Easy Company was stationed before embarking on their mission to Normandy. The village’s timeless and well-preserved scenery made it an ideal choice for recreating the historical period.
Village life & Community
Dabchicks, Bells and Brass: Ask anyone from Aldbourne what they are, and they’ll tell you: a Dabchick. The story goes that long ago an unfamiliar bird appeared on the village pond. Nobody could name it, so the oldest inhabitant was fetched in a wheelbarrow and wheeled three times around the pond before delivering his verdict: it was a dabchick – a little grebe. The name stuck. It began as a taunt from neighbouring Ramsbury; Aldbourne wears it as a badge of pride.
The pond itself is older than the legend – it’s the last remnant of a lake that once covered the whole of The Square. Today it’s the heart of the village, ducks and all, and on summer evenings it becomes a concert venue: the Aldbourne Band, founded in 1860 and ranked among the country’s finest brass bands, plays free open-air Pond Concerts just yards from our door.
For the best part of two centuries, Aldbourne was famous for its bell foundry – the Cor and Wells families cast church bells here that still ring across southern England. Some of the earliest carry the engraving of a small, long-necked bird. A dabchick, of course.
About Aldbourne Nature
Countryside Walks: Aldbourne is surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside, offering numerous walking and hiking opportunities. The trails provide stunning views of the landscape and are a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Exploring Charming Ramsbury Estate Trail
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The Aldbourne Circular Walk 5 miles (12 miles extended)
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Exploring the Ridgeway National Trail
Embark on an Epic Journey: Exploring the Ridgeway National Trail Welcome to the Ridgeway National Trail, a captivating pathway through time and nature that spans across the ancient landscapes of southern England. Stretching for 87 miles from the picturesque village of Avebury in Wiltshire to the stunning Chiltern Hills in…
Scenic Walks Around Aldbourne
Discover the best walks around Aldbourne Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Wiltshire, UK, lies the charming village of Aldbourne. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush greenery, and meandering streams, Aldbourne is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on…
