The name “Brailes” is thought to originate either from the Old Welsh Breg-lis – “hill court” – or the Old English Byrgels – “burial place”. Castle Hill Motte is a natural knoll used from Pre-Roman times and made higher in the Norman era to form the motte of a motte-and-bailey castle.
Happening now! …
St George’s: Memory Tree 2025
Next up in Brailes …
06:09 Bus To Banbury
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A guide to our Village, services, & amenities
Below is an overview of the main features of our village, from it’s history to education, clubs, faith, events, and public amenities. Your exploration of our village starts here!
History of Brailes
Evidence of pre-Roman fortification in the valley suggests habitation at least 2300 years ago. Read about our village through the ages here.
Learn moreOur Primary School
Brailes was a comparatively early adopter of education, private and public. We are blessed with a very well run community Primary School.
Learn moreChurch in Brailes
From Druidism to Christianity, the people who have lived in Brailes have built institutions for their faith and always practiced cross-faith support.
Learn moreNotice Boards
It’s a digital world but analog still counts because notice boards still work when then power’s off ! Details about posting to the boards here.
Learn moreAllotments
Villagers take justifiable pride in their horticultural expertise and experience. Information for those seeking an allotment tenancy.
Learn moreFootpaths
Before the motor vehicle, we either rode or walked. Brailes is traversed by footpaths making getting around the village on foot safe and pleasant.
Learn moreWells & Water
Water is vital to the village. Brailes has a number of emergency public wells and organisations dedicated to dealing with floods and drainage.
Learn moreCamping & Cycling
Our playing fields are a popular location with camping groups and we are ideally situated for exploring the Cotswolds & Avon on two wheels.
Learn moreClubs & Societies
Behind the quiet facade of the village is a hive of activity & voluntary organisation. This is a list of groups. For their events, see our calendar.
Learn moreFree School Fdn.
Brailes’ first school, est. Circa. 1500 and put into a perpetual trust in 1620 has been a vital investment in our children’s education and parish life.
Learn moreBrailes Parish Council
Established by the 1894 Local Government Act, Brailes Parish Council is one of 8500 Parish councils and 80,000 councillors nationwide.
Learn moreVillage Hall & Pavilion
The Village Hall was built in the 1950s, the Pavilion in the 1990s, both refurbished, and since then providing venues for events, meetings, & sport.
Learn moreSustainable Brailes
In this era of climate change, we are acting to ensure life in Brailes remains sustainable, through recycling, conservation, & bringing local community together.
Learn moreBrailes Show
The biggest event of the village’s annual calendar, a whole day and evening of entertainment, games, competitions, great food and drink!
Learn moreThree Hills Walk
A now nationally known & loved hike traversing seven miles across the three largest hills of Brailes: Brailes Hill, Castle Hill, and Mine Hill.
Learn morethe geography of Brailes
Brailes is a civil parish about 3 miles (5 km) east of Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire, England. It includes the two villages of Lower and Upper Brailes which are located in the north Cotswolds, but it is often referred to as one village as the two villages adjoin each other. The parish includes the village of Winderton about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northeast of Brailes, and the deserted medieval village of Chelmscote about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north of Brailes. The parish is bounded to the east by Ditchedge Lane and Beggars’ Lane, which are a historic ridgeway that also forms part of the county boundary with Oxfordshire. The northeastern boundary is a minor road, part of which follows the course of a Roman road. Sutton under Brailes is part of the ecumenical parish but is not included in the civil parish. The parish contains 5407 acres of land.
The River Stour forms part of the southern boundary, and another part is formed by Sutton Brook, a tributary of the Stour. To the west, north and the remainder of the south the parish is bounded by field boundaries. Brailes is surrounded by hills. Upper Brailes is on the side of Brailes Hill, which at 761 feet (232 m) high is the fourth-highest point in Warwickshire. The east side of the village is bordered by Mine Hill, which is over 620 feet (190 m) high and is topped by a television mast, and Holloway Hill, up which the B4035 road runs towards Banbury. Between Holloway Hill and the Oxfordshire Boundary, the B4035 passes near the top of Gallow Hill, which is 679 feet (207 m) high.
We Respectfully request …
Our village is on the B4035, connecting Shipston to Banbury, but also the M5 to the M40. In 1990 there were 2 million registered cars in the UK. Today there are over 33 million. Many are SUVs – wider, taller, heavier, and dirtier than standard sized vehicles. Our roads were originally laid to accommodate a horse-drawn carriage and a hay wagon. For neighbours new to village life:
20s Plenty
Yes, it’s a 30mph zone, but with random street parking and blind corners we’ve seen quite a few tail-end collisions 🙁
We All Want To Love Your Pets
When walking your pets please keep them on a leash, and clean up any waste deposits. 🙂
Expect Tractors
We’re a farming village. Don’t bother the livestock, feed your hedgehogs, use the footpaths, wellies are essential! 🙂
Join In!
“From each according to their abilities …” – an ancient idea which means please do get involved & help out how you can! 🙂
village governance
Our Parish Councillors
For more information about our Parish Council, please visit their site here.
Martin Cole
Chair
Amanda Wasdell
Clerk
Ronan Woods
Vice-Chair
Louise Appleton
Councillor
Chris Irvin
Councillor
Tracey King
Councillor
Anne Sayers
Councillor
Darren Mellor-Clark
Councillor
Our District & County Councillors
stratford District Representation
Sarah Walley-Hoggins
Councillor for Brailes and Compton ward
Reform UK Ltd.
warwickshire County Representation
Jo Barker
Councillor for Shipston ward
Conservative Party
Our Member of Parliament for Westminster
Constituency Representation
Manuela Pertagala
MP for Stratford Upon Avon District – Liberal Democrat Party
Brailes Now & Then
With the kind permission of the Facebook Brailes Now & Then page.
Brailes in Numbers
2325+
Years of Settlement
1.3K+
Residents
400+
Homes
30+
Local Businesses