Farndon is a village and civil parish in Chester District, Cheshire, England. It is located on the banks of the River Dee, south of Chester, and close to the border with Wales. At the 2001 Census, the village had a population of 1,517.^[1]

History

It is reported that Edward the Elder died in the ancient parish of Farndon in AD 924, shortly after quelling a revolt of an alliance of Mercians and Welshmen. This involved Edward successfully taking Chester from the occupying Mercians and Welshmen, and then re-garrisoning it, and this happened shortly before his death.^[2]

Some historians believe that Farndon was the location of the first ever competitive horse race with riders, in a local field on the banks of the River Dee. Nearby Chester Racecourse is said to be the oldest racecourse in Britain.

During the English Civil War, Farndon was the scene of bitter fighting over the Bridge that was controlling access to Chester from Wales. There is also a fine memorial window in the parish church to the Civil War Royalists.

The village was at one time renowned for its strawberries, which were grown in the surrounding fields. This is no longer the case. The nearest fields are now in Holt.

Origins of the name

Farndon is very close to the border between England and Wales (the actual border is on the bridge which crosses the river Dee and which separates Farndon and the village of Holt.) Consequently, Farndon has a Welsh name: Rhedynfre. The village was an important place historically and has been a site of conflict and cultural exchange since the Angles settled the area in the 8th century. The border moved numerous times during the following centuries, placing Farndon alternately in Wales and England.

The English name is reported to mean "Fern Hill", and has been given as Fearndune, Farndune, Ferentone, Ferendon, Faryngdon, and Ferneton, amongst other variations, since its first mention in 924AD.^[2]

Landmarks

See also: Listed buildings of Farndon, Cheshire

Farndon Bridge spans the Dee connecting Farndon to the nearby Welsh village of Holt on higher ground. The bridge, made of sandstone and originally of Medieval construction, is said to be haunted. Holt Castle is located on the opposite side of the river; it was constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle fell to the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1647.

Next to Farndon Bridge is a small picnic area beside the river. At the entrance to the picnic area are Farndon Cliffs. This area has been classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The sandstone cliffs contain interesting rock formations.^[3]

St Chad's is the old parish church in Farndon. It was damaged during the English Civil War and later repaired. The church contains a unique Civil War Memorial Window, and features an image thought to be that of William Lawes, the famous court musician, who was slain at the battle of Rowton Heath. The church tower still shows signs of Civil War musket ball damage.^[4]

The village used to have three public houses: the 'Greyhound', the 'Nags Head' and the 'Farndon Arms'. Two of these, the Farndon Arms and the Nags Head closed in the summer of 2007 and the Farndon Arms has since reopened as 'The Farndon'; the Nags Head remains closed. There is also a restaurant called 'The Brasserie'.

Notable residents

• Major Roger Barnston (1826-1857), served in the Crimean War and was killed in the Indian rebellion of 1857.^[5]
• Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, maintains a home in the village and has a shop bearing his name.^[6]
• John Speed (1542-1629), cartographer, was born in Farndon.

Gallery of images

<gallery> Image:St. Chads, Fandon.JPG|St. Chad's, Farndon Image:farndonstchads.JPG|St Chad's Farndon from the East End Image:farndonmusket.JPG|St Chad's Farndon shows signs of musket ball damage Image:williamlawesfarndon.jpg|William Lawes, Farndon Parish Church Civil War Memorial Window Image:farndonbridge.JPG|Farndon Bridge Image:farndoncliffs.JPG|Farndon Cliffs SSSI Image:Barnston monument, fandon.jpg|Barnston Monument, Farndon Image:paulburrellflowers.JPG|Paul Burrell Flowers </gallery>

Notes and references

Notes

Bibliography

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