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Walls Court Farm
The Manor of Walls is recorded as being the third manor comprising the Parish of Stoke Cifford. An area of considerable woodland known as 'le Walls'. The farm was mostly so poor that it earned the name of 'Starve all Farm'. In the 19th century Thomas Proctor transformed Wallscourt Farm into a model estate. He left in 1861; and almost 100 years later, Hewlett Packard, an American computer company bought the land (1960). They faced a dilemma of whether to demolish 'or retain the classic structure. The company chose to retain and restore the old building as a training centre.
University of the West of England
The path now runs through a delightful overhang of young trees on either side. The UWE is on your left.
Long Wood and Hermitage Wood
Two woods originally known as 'le Walls'. Long Wood on the right, Hermitage on the left. There is an 18th century tunnel connecting the wood walks, under the carriageway. Deep in Hermitage Wood there are bat roosts, the Pipstrelle being the most abundant. Five other species have been identified.
Barn Wood
The third of 'le Walls' woods on the escarpment. Like the other two it has a Tree Preservation Order. Two woods originally known as 'le Walls'. Long Wood on the right, Hermitage on the left. There is an 18th century tunnel connecting the wood walks, under the carriageway. Deep in Hermitage Wood there are bat roosts, the Pipstrelle being the most abundant. Five other species have been identified.
Dower House
The Dower House is Grade 11 listed, named as having been the home of the Dowager Duchess of Beaufort. The house was built in 1563 by Sir Richard Berkeley, lieutenant of the Tower of London; the family having taken over Stoke Gifford Manor in 1338. The last Berkeley, Lord Botetourt, made himself bankrupt restoring Stoke Park. In 1768 he became the last Governor of Virginia, Britain's first and last American Colony. He died two years latter in Williamsburg aged 53. A memorial tablet is in Stoke Gifford Church. Stoke House was bought in 1907 by the Rev. Harold Nelson Burden, a missionary. He and his wife changed the house into a home to care for the mentally handicapped, the Burden Institute.