Place names of Calne: Hillcroft

Hillcroft

Hillcroft is a field name meaning land on or that contains rising ground. The name has been in use since at least 1828, when it appeared on a map by Thomas Cruse. Hillcroft was also used as the name for 23 Anchor Road, which is currently known as Kew House.

Hillcroft was owned by the Calne Methodist Church and was leased to Calne Town Council for more close to 60 years before it was sold. In 1989, the trustees of the Calne Methodists terminated the lease, valued at £350 annually, and allowed the Council to continue using the field without charge on licence until possession was needed. Neither the Council or residents were happy at the loss of recreational open space or the potential for development of the land.

Eventually, the Council would acquire the land, part of which became a small development of five red brick houses built c. 1999 - 2002[1]. The planning application submitted by Calne Town Council also included the resurfacing of a play ground into a car park and access road. This allows access to Hillcroft Playing Fields, which is next to The Recreation Grounds. In 2013, Olympian, Bobby White captain of GB's handball team, opened a family-inclusive sports area at Hillcroft. This was built via a Section 106 agreement with Hill Homes as part of their development at Sandpit Road[2].


References:
[1] Planning application N/98/01722/FUL
[2] The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald. 2020. Olympian on hand to open Calne sports area | The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/10451941.olympian-on-hand-to-open-calne-sports-area/. [Accessed 10 March 2020].