Boxford and Westbrook

Situated on the east bank of the lower reaches of the River Lambourn on the south side of the Downs, Boxford is an interesting and attractive mix of old houses, many thatched, and more recent houses.

The parish church, St. Andrew's, is situated at the heart of the village on the banks of the river. The church has a 13th century nave and chancel with the addition of a 15th century west tower although much of the church was rebuilt in the 19th century. The church has a rare narrow Saxon window, deeply set in the surrounding stonework with a rounded arch. The window is framed in oak and still has its original wooden shutter and is thought to be the oldest working wooden window in the UK. It only came to light during renovations in 2010.

The churchyard is separated from a small village green and war memorial by a brick and flint wall and an oak lych-gate which was built to mark the Millennium. At the rear of the church, on the riverbank, is a grassed and landscaped area known as the Peace Garden.

Across the road bridge on the opposite bank of the river is the attractive hamlet of Westbrook.

Boxford is about 4 miles north-west of Newbury and half a mile to the south of the M4 motorway.