Chipping Campden History Society

The Chipping Campden History Society (CCHS) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to the study and promotion of the history of Chipping Campden and its surrounding areas in Gloucestershire, England. The society was originally established in 1984 under the name Campden and District Historical and Archaeological Society (CADHAS) and later adopted its current title to better reflect its geographical and thematic focus.

Charitable Status

The society is registered as a charity under the number 1034379. It operates as a membership organisation, welcoming anyone interested in the heritage, historical events, and notable figures associated with Chipping Campden.

Activities and Focus

CCHS is involved in researching and disseminating information about the local history of Chipping Campden, a market town renowned for its rich medieval and early modern heritage. The society covers topics ranging from local architecture and prominent families such as Sir Baptist Hicks, to the silk industry and artisanal crafts that have shaped the town’s culture.

One particular area of interest for the society is the Guild and School of Handicraft, a significant Arts and Crafts movement community founded in 1888 and relocated to Chipping Campden. This guild, established by Charles Robert Ashbee, was a cooperative workshop and educational institution aimed at reviving traditional craftsmanship in response to the rise of industrial manufacturing. The society highlights the Guild’s cultural and social impact on the town's heritage.

Resources and Membership

The society maintains a collection of historical documents, photographs, and publications related to Chipping Campden’s past. Members receive access to a members’ section on the society’s website, which includes detailed historical accounts and archival material. The society also supports community events, talks, and exhibitions to engage the public with the area’s history.

Significance

Chipping Campden History Society plays a key role in preserving the historical identity of Chipping Campden, a town known for its exceptional preservation of 14th to 17th-century architecture and its status as an important medieval wool trading centre. Through its work, the society contributes to the conservation of local heritage and the promotion of historical education within the Cotswold district.

This article summarises the mission, heritage, and contributions of the Chipping Campden History Society, a charitable organisation focused on the local history of Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipping_Campden [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild_and_School_of_Handicraft [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipping_Campden_Town_Hall [4] https://www.chippingcampdenhistory.org.uk [5] https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Chipping_Campden,_Gloucestershire,_England_Genealogy