A historic site in Cheltenham, known for the tragic legend of Maud’s Elm, is set to be revitalized with the creation of 24 affordable, high-quality homes. Located at 320 Swindon Road, this £2.8 million development will begin construction in autumn 2025, breathing new life into a place steeped in local folklore.
Cheltenham Borough Council has appointed the acclaimed contractor Speller Metcalfe to lead this ambitious regeneration project. The site, once infamous as the spot where five people lost their lives in the early 18th century, will be transformed into a vibrant community space with a strong focus on sustainability and wildlife preservation.
Residents can expect green outdoor areas thoughtfully designed to support local ecology, including hedgehog highways, and bat, bee, and bird boxes to foster thriving wildlife habitats. The project comprises 17 apartments and 7 houses, all available through social rent and shared ownership schemes, ensuring homes are accessible to a wide range of residents.
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Sustainability is at the heart of the design, with features including solar panels, green roofs, and low-carbon construction methods aimed at reducing environmental impact while offering economically viable living spaces. Councillor Alisha Lewis, cabinet member for major developments and housing delivery, emphasized the importance of the project:
“This marks a significant milestone in Cheltenham’s housing strategy. These homes are not only affordable to buy or rent but are designed to be cost-effective to live in, helping residents save money while benefiting the planet. This £2.8 million investment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing much-needed housing for all members of our community.”
Mark Eaton, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, expressed pride in partnering with the council:
“We’re excited to contribute to creating sustainable and affordable homes in Cheltenham. Projects like this support local communities by combining quality housing with greener, healthier environments. We’re eager to begin construction later this year.”
The poignant history behind Maud’s Elm centers on Maud Bowen, the daughter of Margaret Bowen, who lived in a small cottage in the early 1700s. According to legend, Maud’s kindness and beauty captured the hearts of Walter Baldwin, known as Walter the Archer, as well as her uncle Godfrey and the lord of the manor, both of whom coveted her.
Tragically, after rejecting their advances, Maud was abducted and assaulted, leading to a fatal confrontation in which Walter killed Godfrey but the lord of the manor escaped. Heartbroken, Maud drowned in Wyman’s Brook. An official inquiry mistakenly ruled the deaths as murder and suicide, leading to Maud’s burial with an elm stake through her body—a grim custom for suicides at the time.
In the aftermath, Maud’s mother faced accusation and persecution but was ultimately saved by Walter, who became a local legend himself. From the very stake where Maud was buried, an elm tree sprouted and flourished for nearly two centuries until it was felled in the early 20th century.
By July 2025, the physical remnants of the site will have been cleared, but the story of Maud Bowen endures through local history and folklore, soon giving way to a new chapter as the area transforms into a thriving neighborhood.