Childrey
Like many other Vale villages the 'ey' in the name 'Childrey'
indicates a former island settlement in the marsh. Now
Childrey is an attractive springline village nestling
at the foot of the Berkshire Downs right on the edge of
the Vale of White Horse. Approaching the village on a
fine day from Wantage about three miles away east along
the B4507, the setting appears perfect with the hills
on one side and the Vale on the other. Wonderful!
When you get to the village it doesn't disappoint either.
In the centre is an attractive duck pond, complete with
ducks and geese, attractive cottages and the village shop
and pub, The Hatchet. Near the pond is the former Working
Mens Club and Reading Room, now used as a village hall.
The village churches are St. Mary's Church and the Childrey
Methodist Church. St. Mary's features some fine memorial
brasses to the Lords of Rampayne Manor, copies of which
are available for rubbing. A plaque in the porch informs
that the brasses were restored in 1987 with the help of
the Council for the Care of Churches and the Pilgrim Trust.