Minchinhampton | |
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Market Square |
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Minchinhampton shown within Gloucestershire | |
Population | 2,875 (2011 Census) |
OS grid reference | SO871008 |
Civil parish |
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District | |
Shire county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | STROUD |
Postcode district | GL6 |
Dialling code | 01453 |
Police | Gloucestershire |
Fire | Gloucestershire |
Ambulance | South Western |
EU Parliament | South West England |
UK Parliament | |
Minchinhampton is an ancient market town, located on a hilltop, 4 miles (6.4 km) south-south-east of Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, in the Cotswolds.
The town's shops are clustered in and around the High Street and comprise a general store, two hairdressers, a chain store, a ladies' boutique, a butcher's shop, a local organic dairy outlet, two restaurants, a cafe, a post office, an antiques shop, an estate agency and several charity shops.
The Crown Inn closed unexpectedly in March 2014. The pub had hosted clubs and societies, including a folk club and Probus over the years and its location on the Market Square meant that it was a focal point for the Minchinhampton Country Fayre, held every other year.
The main square has a War Memorial, and a 17th-century Market House, given to the town in 1919 by the Lord of the Manor Lt. Col. H. G. Ricardo and restored in 1944. A market is held every Thursday. There is a twice-yearly craft fair at Gatcombe, and a summer visit by Gifford's Circus every year.
The town has is also a doctors' surgery, library, dentist, school and youth club
Minchinhampton is close to the home of the Princess Royal, Gatcombe Estate, which hosts the Gatcombe Horse Trials in late summer each year. In 2014, the 2003 rugby world cup winner and ex England and Gloucester RFC rugby international Mike Tindall who is married to Zara Phillips, the Queen's granddaughter and daughter of the Princess Royal, and who lives at Gatcombe Park started to play rugby for Minchinhampton RFC.
The town has a very active rugby club, Minchinhampton RFC, with three adult teams, minis and juniors from under 6 to under 16 and a large touch rugby section. Minchinhamption RFC play in Gloucester 3.