Campingland

In 1463, the rector, Dr.John Botright, gave to the town Campingland, or Church Croft, where parishioners could practise skills in running, archery, military drill and “other honest games”.

Its name on the deed indicates that even before the 15th century the area was probably used to play the game of Camp – an early form of rugby with no rules. Kicking, fighting, wrestling were all permitted.

The aim was to carry the ball (or stone) to the opponents’ goal but injuries were many and sometimes fatal. The word Camp probably derives from German word Kampf meaning struggle or fight.

In his will of 1724 Nicholas Hamond, then Lord of the Manor, bequeathed the town money for a school for twenty boys to be sited on Campingland “if the Town will consent and agree thereto”. It was agreed and the school opened in 1736.

A Youth Centre was built here in the 1960s, where now the award-winning Community Centre now stands, thought to be built on the footprint of the school and the Community Garden, created in 2019 by volunteers, provides a place to relax and a chance to spot wildlife.