Arlingham

Thirteen miles south of Gloucester is a great bend in the River Severn, forming a peninsula on the eastern bank. On the western end of this peninsula lies the small and isolated village of Arlingham. The centre of the village is built around The Cross, (this name denoting a crossroads rather then a War Memorial) where the lane leading from the main Gloucester to Bristol Road (A38) is crossed by a smaller lane. To the left is Church Road leading south to the C14th Church, which contains some of the oldest glass in Gloucestershire. There are interesting tombs in the quiet churchyard. Right from The Cross is High Street, making a loop with Friday Street at the end of which is a small Free Church.

The Cross is dominated by the Red Lion pub, which serves meals and is noted for its skittle alley. Also in the centre of the village is the Post Office and Village Store, which sells a wide range of groceries, wines and spirits, hardware and much else besides. West of The Cross is a lane leading to the river and the Old Passage a flourishing Fish restaurant featured in the Good Food Guide. From here is a splendid view of Newnham-on-Severn on the opposite bank.

Around The Cross lie the majority of the houses though farms and other dwellings are scattered throughout the parish. The little hamlet of Priding, within the parish boundary, is situated on the riverbank, approached from Overton Lane before entering the village. Also down this lane is the very interesting Wick Court, a house with a long and fascinating history, dating back to mediaeval times and now occupied by the charity 'Farms for City Children'.

Arlingham remains very much a farming community (indeed there are 14 farms in the parish) and the inhabitants are proud of their heritage. Many families have lived here for generations and the village remains in many ways unchanged by the years. Three small housing developments have recently been added to the stock of housing and it is noticeable that many of the "incomers" take a great interest in village life.

There is an active Parish Council, a flourishing Women's Institute and Gardening Club, a Football Club a Toddler Group and recently a playground has been added to the village amenities. The village has its own Church and Parish Magazine, which is published monthly.

Arlingham is a popular place for ramblers walking the Severn Way, giving excellent views of the river and across to the Forest of Dean and May Hill.