Bell Cottage, 1998 by Linnet Sangwine

Witney Gazette Article about Sale of Old Bell Cottage, Thatched Cottage
on the sale of Bell Cottage and mentioning Bampton as venue for filming Downton Abbey
Price £299,950

£299,950

This picture is of Bell Cottage which was visible briefly across the Market Square after Market Square Garage was completely removed and before Thornberry Flats were built on the site. The people living in the cottage at the time couldn't wait for the flats to go up to regain their privacy.
The little lane, known by long-time locals as 'Back of The Bell' got its name from the Bell Inn which used to be where the Village Hall stands today. The Inn was bought by three ladies in 1923 for conversion into the WI Hall. In the 1980s the WI could no longer afford the upkeep of the building and it became the Village Hall ... next to the Town Hall.