Puzzle Description

Terry Harrison is a favourite puzzle painter in the Gibsons jigsaw puzzle catalogue. Terry has enjoyed a long and illustrious career as both a painter and teacher. Some of his other titles in the Gibsons puzzle catalogue include puzzles such as Padstow Harbour, A Welcome Delivery, Clovelley (2 x 1000 pieces box set), Packhorse Bridge, Staithes and West Country which is a 4 x 500 box set.

Sometimes called called 'The Prettiest Village in England', Castle Combe (G6070) has had visitors enjoying its charms for at least a century and the small street leading from the Market Cross down to the By Brook is as picturesque today as it ever was. Like all Gibsons 1000 piece puzzles, Castle Combe measures 68 x 49 centimeters when complete.

Castle Combe’s origins goe back almost two thousand years. The site of the castle is above today’s village, but little other than earthworks now identify its original presence. In its early days it was a British hill fort subsequently occupied by the Romans due to its proximity to The Fosse Way. The Normans came after the Romans but the Normans built the castle we see today.

The ‘Big Healey’ 3000 was Austin-Healey’s most iconic car and remains today as one of the true British motoring icons. The first of its kind arrived in 1959, with updated suspension, a new three-litre engine and a better gearbox helping sales skyrocket. The MkII was released two years later with a curved windscreen and 2+2 seating as standard, although the styling remained ver similar despite a more user-friendly hood. A 3000 in pristine condition can be found for around the £60,000 mark.

During the Middle Ages the wool industry became very important to both the village and valley's economy. The spinsters and weavers lived in the cottages (hence names such as "Weaver’s House"). The river still called By Brook provided the power for the water mills.

No longer involved in the wool trade the village has of late played host to the film industry. ‘Doctor Doolittle’ was filmed filmed in and around the village in 1966. 'Stardust' and 'The Wolf Man' are more recent productions located there. There is also a sanctuary to wildlife and it is a well known conversation site with the the beauty of nature on display.

In keeping with the hinterland's quarries, the village houses are all of typical Cotswold type, constructed with thick stone walls and roofs made from natural stone tiles. The buildings are many hundreds of years old and are listed historical sites. Local council rules are rigorously applied to preserve the historical character and appeal of Castle Combe for years to come.

Castle Combe is situated on the southern edge of the Cotswolds and is located 12 miles from the Georgian town of Bath. There are many sites of proximite historical interest: Avebury, Stonehenge and the Wiltshire White Horses. There are also hikes a plenty over a wide swath of the Wiltshire area.

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