Coombe, Enford

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Coombe is a tiny hamlet in the parish of Enford, Wiltshire, England. It sits on the River Avon about 13 miles north of Salisbury, between Enford and Netheravon. Many houses line the road between Enford and Netheravon, with others along Coombe Lane.

The history of Coombe isn’t well documented, but it’s mentioned as early as 934, when it was part of a large estate granted to Winchester Cathedral. It belonged to the Bishop of Winchester’s hundred of Elstub, alongside Enford, Netheravon and Fittleton. It may have been valued at five hides in the Domesday Book, like nearby Fifield. Little of the original buildings survives today, though foundations of a medieval chapel-of-ease are said to be visible and the chapel fell out of use in the 15th century. The parish church and the nearest pub, The Swan, are in Enford.

Today, Coombe has no local industry and is mainly a commuter village. Some residents work from home, aided by the internet. A notable number of people have worked for the Ministry of Defence because of its proximity to Salisbury Plain Training Area and nearby army camps and headquarters.

Coombe lies between Stonehenge and Avebury, making the area popular with visitors. At the east end of Coombe Lane there are two tumuli that could be up to 5,000 years old. The surrounding fields have hosted archaeological digs, including a Time Team project about three miles to the east. The River Avon bridge is a favourite spot for families to swim on hot days.