Voices of Hinton
Voices of Hinton is a celebration of our village’s history, told through the memories of those who have called it home. These personal stories capture the spirit of Hinton Charterhouse, from everyday life to significant moments that shaped the community. Explore the timeline and interactive map to uncover recollections of village traditions, landmarks, and events. Many thanks to David Turvey, whose dedication to recording these interviews has helped preserve these valuable memories.
The Weary Traveller
Mavis Bennet recalls how this Bath stone sculpture by Ian Marlow became a village landmark. Modelled on her father, it was funded by local efforts and unveiled by schoolchildren. A tribute to tradition, it remains a cherished part of Hinton.
The Village Garage
Len Lambert recalls the village garage, once run by Arthur and Lionel Colborne. Built after the war, it sold petrol before regulations forced its pumps to close. From hand-cranked fuel to battery charging, it remains part of local memory.
A Village Childhood
Mavis Bennett recalls growing up in Green Lane during the 1940s rationing, making toys from nothing, Christmas stockings filled by dad, school at Combe Down, working in Bath shoe shops, meeting her husband in 1955, marriage in 1960, early widowhood with a baby, and eighty-five years of village life.
Shop and Post Office
Mavis Bennet recalls the village post office, initially at 30 High Street until the postmaster’s death in 1972. The village shop at 32 High Street later housed the post office. Mavis worked there from 1988-1995, remembering fresh-baked bread and hand-cut bacon from a time before pre-packaged goods.
Hinton Church School
Mavis Bennet recalls starting at Hinton Church School after WWII ended in 1945. She remembers strict teachers, mandatory milk breaks, hot school dinners, and resting on coconut mats. Students tended garden plots and learned times tables. The wooden desks had ink wells and lift-up lids. Christmas 1949, the juniors published their own book of poems.
Green Lane 1940s & 50s
Mavis Bennet paints a vivid picture of life on Green Lane in the 1940s and 50s. With no running water, outdoor toilets, and gas lighting, daily routines were a challenge, yet community spirit and simple joys made for a happy childhood.
Second World War
Len Lambert remembers wartime preparations in the village, including trenches and pill boxes built to stop a possible invasion. He recalls a plane making a forced landing, searchlights, and troops marching through. After Bath raids, children collected silver strips dropped to confuse radar. When sirens sounded, his family sheltered under the stairs.
The Chapel
Mavis Bennet shares memories of the chapel located between 20 and 22 High Street, dating back to the 1800s. She recalls her mother serving as caretaker, lighting the temperamental stove, and the chapel’s eventual closure in the late 1960s. Mavis fondly remembers Sunday services, anniversaries with Bible readings and singing, and harvest festivals featuring Arthur Rug’s skilfully baked loaves that were later auctioned.