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West Wycombe Caves
These were excavated in the 1750’s on the site of a former quarry by Sir Francis Dashwood to provide work for unemployed farm workers. The spoil from the excavations being used to build the road between High Wycombe and West Wycombe. It is said that members of the Hell Fire Club used the caves for meetings. The caves are approached through an entrance which resembles a gothic church and the passage from there leads down through a series of caves to the Banqueting Hall and the Inner Temple.
Saint Lawrence Church
This church with its tower capped with a golden ball dated from the 13th Century and was rebuilt by Sir Francies Dashwood in the mid 18th century in italianate style. It includes a ceiling painting of the last supper by Borgnis and a painted frieze. When rebuilt it was said to be “.... the most beautiful country church in England.”
West Wycombe Village
The village is owned and preserved by the National Trust and contains shops, village houses and traditional workshops. Very photogenic, it is worthwhile exploring after taking lunch at the George & Dragon or a visit to the Caves.
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