The Village of Saints - Atlas Obscura

The Village of Saints

Upper Froyle, England

Many of the cottages and houses of this tiny village are adorned with a local lord's collection of saintly statues. 

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In the early 20th century, Sir Hubert Miller was the Lord of the Manor in the picturesque Hampshire village of Froyle. The Miller family had been a prominent presence in the community for over a century, funding church repairs and the construction of a village school.

Miller was a man of deep faith and often traveled to his villa in Venice, Italy. During his travels, he acquired an impressive collection of religious icons and saintly statues, which he brought back to Froyle and installed in the village’s church. Over time, his collection grew larger, and he began placing these beautiful sculptures around the village too, adorning Upper Froyle with 19 unique and highly detailed figures.

Thanks to Miller’s passion for collecting, Froyle was christened “The Village of Saints.” To this day, the thatched cottages and redbrick houses of Upper Froyle continue to display these fantastic figures. One of the most charming homes in Froyle is Post Office Cottage, which features a statue of Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunting, for whom Sir Hubert is the namesake.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of art, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of charming villages, Froyle and its fascinating collection of saints are sure to capture your heart.

Know Before You Go

St Mary's Church, where the collection began, is located in the heart of the village. Here visitors can find a map outlining the location and identity of all 19 saints.

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September 5, 2023

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