Village life through the ages

Cleeve Prior is a small village of 249 dwellings on the Worcestershire/Warwickshire border between Evesham and Stratford-upon-Avon. The name “Cleeve” comes from the Saxon word for cliff and the prior was a medieval monastery which was destroyed during the Reformation.

The continued significance of the early origins of Cleeve Prior as a Saxon and Medieval farming community is clearly illustrated in the presence of numerous farm buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries.

The centre of the village forms the Cleeve Prior Conservation Area and there are many picturesque houses made from the local blue lias stone, including the Kings Arms public house and the 150-year-old school which bestows a strong character and local identity. The church is dedicated to St. Andrew, and has 6 bells which are rung for the parish service each Sunday.

About Cleeve Prior Chroniclers

As a project for the Millennium the Village decided to start recording the history of the village over the centuries and thus “The Cleeve Prior Chroniclers” were born. The archive has grown over the years, and through the website, we have taken the opportunity to make it available to a wider audience .
If you have recollections of the village , from yourself or your relatives, old family photographs, or artefacts you could share with us they would be very welcome..

Parish Links

Other local Historical Web Siteshttps://cleevepriorvillage.co.uk/