Fonthill Bishop
| Fonthill Bishop | |
|---|---|
 Village green, Fonthill Bishop |
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 Fonthill Bishop
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| Fonthill Bishop shown within Wiltshire | |
| Population | 93 (in 2011) |
| OS grid reference | SU935330 |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Salisbury |
| Postcode district | SP3 |
| Dialling code | 01747 |
| Police | Wiltshire |
| Fire | Dorset and Wiltshire |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | |
Fonthill Bishop is a small village and civil parish in Wiltshire, England, to the north of the Nadder valley and 9 miles (14 km) south of Warminster.
The Fonthill Park estate extends into the south of the parish. Landscaping which included the creation of Fonthill Lake was begun in 1740 by William Beckford (later Lord Mayor of London) and continued from c. 1793 by his son William Thomas Beckford, who built Fonthill Abbey, now almost completely demolished. The estate now belongs to Alastair Morrison, 3rd Baron Margadale.
Next to the lake (but outside the parish) is the Fonthill Grottoes Site of Special Scientific Interest. Part of the Great Ridge Wood lies in the north of the parish.
The village developed along a north-south street, bisected by the west-east road from West Knoyle and Hindon to Wilton and Salisbury (now the B3089). The shape of the village changed from the 19th century, with most buildings now on the northern half of the street and along the road.
The parish population was 77 in 1377, peaked in the early 19th century with 228 recorded at the 1821 census, then steadily declined.
The Church of England parish church of All Saints was mentioned in 1242, and has evidence of work in the 14th and 15th centuries. Thorough restoration in 1871 and 1879 was directed by T.H. Wyatt.
The interior of the church has a 12th-century stone font and two 17th-century box pews with doors. The building was designated as Grade I listed in 1966.
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Wikipedia