Slaughter In The Cotswolds, But There Is No Need To Panic

Lower Slaughter

In such an idyllic part of the country as the Cotswolds, it doesn't seem right to talk of  “brutal and violent killing, butchery, carnage” (the dictionary definition of the word slaughter). Thank goodness, the slaughter that I am referring to is not a violent act, but the name of two of the most beautiful villages in this picture post card setting.

Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter are to be found on both banks of the River Eye, which is also known locally as Slaughter Brook, a water course that eventually finds its way to the River Windrush, one of the most prominent rivers of the Cotswold area. I am glad to say that the Slaughters, as they are known locally, do not get their name because of any connection with violent killings or nefarious deeds, but from an Old English name “Slohtre” or “Muddy Place”.  Not very appealing perhaps, but certainly a lot better than the alternative!

When you visit the Slaughters, as indeed you must if you want to say that you have seen the Cotswolds at their best, you will see that in no way can the Slaughters be described as a “muddy place”, although perhaps things were different at the time that it was awarded this wonderful sobriquet. They sit today,  the epitome of Cotswold beauty, boasting a remarkable record whereby no new building has taken place since about 1906.

What is so delightful for, shall we say, the more mature tourist, is that there is nothing of discernible interest to the casual sightseer, unlike nearby Bourton on the Water which is classified as one of the “honeypot” settlements. There is a restored nineteen century flour mill at Lower Slaughter with a chimney constructed of red brick which contrasts with the warm honey coloured local limestone,  and that is about it. What they do have, however, is an innate ability to slow down the pace of your life, allowing you time to just sit back and enjoy the surroundings.

Lower Slaughter receives more visitors than Upper Slaughter, which as the name suggests is slightly further upstream. It is mere confirmation that the words Lower and Upper have no social connotation, but reflect the geography of the area. Not only is Lower Slaughter home to Lower Slaughter Manor which dates from 1658, (now a grand country house hotel), but is also home to the lovely church of St. Mary with parts dating from the thirteenth century.

Upper Slaughter counters with the church of St. Peter's  which has twelfth century connections. It can also boast the fact that the cottages that are set around the attractive square were redesigned by the famous architect Sir Edward Lutyens in 1906.

You may be visiting these two delightful villages as a lovely contrast to a hectic day in the more commercialised Bourton. Don't try and decide which is your favourite of the two Slaughters, take them as they are, a wonderful pair of truly idyllic Cotswold destinations.