From the architecture we know that the Angel Inn was built in the late 15th century, probably as an inn. This was a time when the wool trade was flourishing and the property is believed to have converted into a wool merchant’s house in the 16th and 17th centuries. It has one of the finest examples of a ‘horse passage’ in the village. The name is derived from the gold coin known as an angel.

The church dates back to the end of the 11th century. It is dedicated to St Cyriac, a saint popular with the Normans. According to one story, Cyriac was a 3 year old child who boxed the ears of the governor of Silicia (who had killed Cyriac’s mother for being a Christian.) The governor was so enraged he threw the child onto the marble floor, killing him instantly!

One of the most prominent landmarks in the village of Lacock (aside from the abundance of pubs!) is St Cyriac’s (Church of England) Church: a picturesque little church, with a reasonably tall steeple, whose origins go as far back to Norman and even Saxon times.    Its six bells may be heard most Sundays, at bell ringing practice Monday nights, and before Midnight Mass every Christmas and at weddings and other special occasions.  The building is mostly devoid of stained glass windows creating a light and airy ambience.  Much has been reported in the local, national and international press about the sale of its famous Chalice. Tourists come daily to photograph this pretty little church, which is an historic Grade I listed building. But how much is known about the connection of its chancel with photography?

The Carpenters Arms is a 17th to 18th century building located on Church Street where the old market would have been held.  The oldest record referring to The Carpenters Arms at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre dates back to 15th November 1780. 

Early in Lacock’s history, the village was a flourishing town mainly due to its proximity to the London to Bath road; until the 17th century, Reybridge was the only bridge across the River Avon in the area, so Lacock was bound to be a thriving town. It became known for its wool and cloth in the 13th and 14th centuries, and this continued past the dissolution. In the 13th century also, there were some pottery and tile kilns at Naish Hill which provided floor tiles and pots for the abbey. By the 18th century, there were tanning pits near the Packhorse Bridge and the Tanyard only closed in 1928; as well as tanning and the older industries of spinning and weaving, many Lacock residents were chair-makers, and the farming community was also thriving.

The George Inn is situated at 4, West Street in Lacock. The Lacock archive has at least four references to show that immediately before it was called the George the inn was known as the Black Boy. Charles Henry Talbot noted that Proceeding of Court records from 15th August 1726 show the George Inn was formerly called the Black Boy. This information is also included in some lease agreements; in 1734 between John Pritchett and John Talbot, in 1764 between John Talbot and Ambrose Hayward and again in the 1832 lease assignment to John Miles. Each document refers to “The George Inn, formerly known as the Black Boy”. The Black Boy seems to have been a popular name for inns and public houses between the 17th and early 19th centuries. There are several modern theories about the origin of the name which include references to blacksmiths, chimney sweep’s boys, the slave trade and the popularity among some wealthy people of having an ornately dressed African servant. Another theory is that it was a nickname for King Charles II due to his dark complexion. The current sign indicates that the George Inn was named in honour of the Hanoverians, possibly George II who became king in 1727.

In April 1923, Country Life Magazine described the Red Lion Inn as “A dignified south east end to the High Street. Renaissance in the matter of style”. The distinctive red brick and stone façade remains the same as when it was built in the 1730s. It has been in continuous use as an inn, enjoyed by both the local community and visitors alike throughout the centuries. The Red Lion has always played a significant part in the life of Lacock and the inhabitants of the Abbey.

In June 1903, the Lacock land agent, Richard Foley, described the interior of the inn in a letter to a prospective tenant: “It is a large house having a bar, bar parlour, private sitting room, kitchen, office downstairs. The first floor has a club room adjoining and 3 or 4 rooms and 3 bedrooms. There is extensive stabling”. Foley also said that the rental of £50 per annum included a 4 ½ acre field, “used for village fetes and ‘amusements’”.