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Wiltshire, a historic county in South West England, is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and significant archaeological sites. From the ancient stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury to the rolling chalk hills of the Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire has been a key region in England's history for thousands of years. Whether you're delving into prehistoric mysteries, walking through medieval streets, or enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside, Wiltshire is a county that captures the essence of England's rich and diverse history.

Towns and cities

Salisbury:

Salisbury Cathedral is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The city of Salisbury itself is a charming market town with a rich history, featuring medieval streets, half-timbered buildings, and the peaceful Cathedral Close.

Old Sarum:

Just outside Salisbury, Old Sarum offers visitors a glimpse into Wiltshire's ancient past. This Iron Age hill fort later became a Norman castle and cathedral site before the city of Salisbury was established.

Swindon:

Swindon grew rapidly in the 19th century due to the establishment of the Great Western Railway works. The town's railway heritage is celebrated at the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, which explores the history of the railways and their impact on the region.

Chippenham:

Historic market town that has seen continuous settlement since the Roman period. It retains much of its charm with historic buildings, a lively market, and proximity to nearby attractions such as Lacock Abbey. Chippenham's location makes it a gateway to the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that extends into the northern part of Wiltshire.

Marlborough:

Marlborough is known for its wide high street, which is lined with historic buildings and hosts a regular market. The town has a royal connection, having been granted its first charter by King John in 1204. The town is also home to Marlborough College, a prestigious independent school that has educated many notable figures.

Trowbridge:

Once a major centre for the wool industry, and the town's industrial heritage is still evident in its architecture. Today, Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire and serves as an administrative and commercial hub.

Devizes:

Historic market town known for its medieval architecture and the impressive Caen Hill Locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The town has a rich history and is home to the Wiltshire Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts from the prehistoric and medieval periods. Devizes Castle, although largely rebuilt in the 19th century, stands on the site of an earlier Norman castle that played a significant role in the region's history.

Area

3,255 sq. km / 1,256 sq. miles

Population

713,000 (2022)

Topography

Wiltshire is bounded on the north by Gloucestershire, and Swindon; on the east by West Berkshire and Hampshire; on the south by Dorset; and on the west by Somerset, Bath and North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Marlborough Downs; Savernake Forest; rivers Kennet, Wylye, Avons (Salisbury and Bristol) ; Salisbury Plain (32km / 20 miles by 25 km / 16 miles, lying at about 120 m / 394 ft above sea-level), a military training area used since Napoleonic times.

Commerce

Industries: brewing (Devizes); carpets and clothing (Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge, Wilton); computing; electronics; engineering (Chippenham); pharmaceuticals; plastics; quarrying (Portland stone); rubber (Bradford-upon-Avon, Melksham); tobacco (Devizes) Agriculture: cereals (wheat); cattle; dairy-farming (condensed milk, cheese); pig and sheep-farming

Famous people

Christopher Wren, William Talbot, Isaac Pitman, David Hempleman-Adams

Attractions

History

Prehistoric Times:

Wiltshire is perhaps most famous for Stonehenge, one of the most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monuments in the world. Dating back to around 2500 BC, this stone circle has long fascinated archaeologists and visitors alike. Nearby, the Avebury stone circle, which is even older than Stonehenge, forms part of a larger complex of Neolithic monuments, including Silbury Hill, the largest artificial mound in Europe. The Salisbury Plain, where Stonehenge is located, has been an area of human activity for millennia. The plain is scattered with barrows (burial mounds), earthworks, and other ancient structures that speak to its importance during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Roman and Anglo-Saxon Periods:

During the Roman occupation of Britain, Wiltshire became part of the Roman province of Britannia. Several Roman roads crossed the county, including the Fosse Way, and there were Roman settlements such as at Cunetio (modern-day Mildenhall). Roman villas and artefacts have been uncovered throughout the region, indicating a strong Roman presence. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Anglo-Saxons established themselves in Wiltshire, and the area became part of the Kingdom of Wessex. The town of Wilton, which gave the county its name, was an important Saxon settlement and the original county town before Salisbury.

Medieval Wiltshire:

One of the most remarkable medieval buildings in England, Salisbury Cathedral, was completed in 1258 and is famous for its towering spire, the tallest in the UK. The cathedral also houses one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta, dating from 1215. The surrounding cathedral close is a tranquil space filled with historic buildings. Before the founding of the modern city of Salisbury, the nearby hill fort of Old Sarum was a significant settlement. It was initially a Neolithic site, later used by the Romans, Saxons, and Normans. However, by the early 13th century, the city of Salisbury (New Sarum) was established in the valley below, and it quickly became the economic and ecclesiastical centre of the county. Wiltshire is home to several historic market towns that flourished during the medieval period, such as Devizes, Marlborough, and Bradford-on-Avon. These towns developed around agriculture, trade, and, in some cases, wool production, which was a major industry in medieval England.

Tudor and Stuart Eras:

During the Tudor and Stuart periods, Wiltshire experienced the religious changes brought about by the Reformation and the English Civil War. The county saw military action during the Civil War, with Royalist and Parliamentarian forces clashing in the area. One of the notable battles was the siege of Devizes in 1643. The aristocratic Wilton House, the seat of the Earls of Pembroke, is one of the finest examples of 16th and 17th-century architecture in England. The house and its extensive gardens are a testament to the wealth and influence of the Pembroke family.

Industrial Revolution and Modern History:

Wiltshire remained largely rural during the Industrial Revolution, with agriculture continuing to dominate the economy. However, some industrial developments did take place, particularly in the towns of Swindon and Trowbridge. Swindon became a key railway town with the establishment of the Great Western Railway's locomotive works in the 19th century. The Salisbury Plain became a major military training area in the 19th and 20th centuries, and it remains an important military area to this day. The plain is home to several military installations, including the UK’s largest military training area.

Culture

Salisbury International Arts Festival: Wiltshire hosts a variety of cultural events, including the Salisbury International Arts Festival, which features performances, exhibitions, and workshops in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Wiltshire Music Centre: Located in Bradford-on-Avon, the Wiltshire Music Centre is a key venue for classical music, jazz, folk, and world music performances.

Salisbury Plain:

Expansive Landscape: The Salisbury Plain is an expansive chalk plateau that is famous not only for its archaeological significance but also for its natural beauty. It offers wide-open spaces, ancient tracks, and stunning views, making it a popular area for walking and wildlife spotting. Much of the plain is used for military training, but there are accessible areas where the public can enjoy the landscape, including National Trust sites such as the White Horse Trail and the Wessex Ridgeway.

Stonehenge:

There are probably hundreds of myths and legends about Stonehenge. Various people have attributed the building of this great megalith to the Danes, Romans, Saxons, Greeks, Atlanteans, Egyptians, Phoenicians Celts, King Aurelius Ambrosious, Merlin, and even Aliens. One of the most popular beliefs was that Stonehenge was built by the Druids. These high priests of the Celts, constructed it for sacrificial ceremonies. Researchers have proven this age-old theory linking Stonehenge's construction to the Druids impossible. Through modern radio carbon dating techniques, scientists have discovered that its builders completed Stonehenge over a thousand years before the Celts ever inhabited this region, eliminating Druids from the possibilities. Usually Druids worshipped in marshes and forests, but it has been verified that they did use Stonehenge occasionally as a temple of worship and sacrifice when they moved into the region. Today, for fear of its desecration, Stonehenge is usually shut off to public access on midsummer's eve. Most scientists agree on the modern theory that three tribes built Stonehenge at three separate times. In approximately 2300 B.C., it is believe the first people to work on the site were Neolithic agrarians. They were one of the first semi-nomadic hunting and gathering groups with an agricultural economy and contained a strong reverence for circles and symmetry. They raised cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, grew wheat and mined flint.

Avebury:

Avebury is home to one of the greatest stone circles in the British Isles. Located in the midst of a rich prehistoric landscape, close to Silbury Hill and Stonehenge, Avebury is the largest known stone ring in the world and Older than the more famous Stonehenge. Similar to Stonehenge and many other megalithic monuments in the British Isles, Avebury is a composite construction that was added to and altered during several periods. As the site currently exists, the great circle consists of a grass-covered, chalk- stone bank that is 1,396 feet in diameter (427 meters) and 20 feet high (6 meters) with a deep inner ditch having four entrances at the cardinal compass points. Inside the ditch, lies a grand circle of massive and irregular sarsen stones enclosing approximately 28 acres of land, partially overlapped by the village. This circle, originally composed of at least 98 stones but now having only 27, itself encloses two smaller stone circles. The two inner circles were probably constructed first, around 2600 BC, while the large outer ring and earthwork dates from 2500 BC. The northern circle is 320 feet in diameter and originally had twenty-seven stones of which only four remain standing today; the southern circle is 340 feet across and once contained twenty-nine stones, of which only five remain standing. At the centre of the northern circle stood a trio of very large stones, two of which survive, called "the Cove." At the centre of the southern circle stood a tall stone over 20 feet in length called "the obelisk." It had already fallen when William Stukeley saw, and drew it, in the 18th century, and is now gone altogether (its site, as with the other missing stones at Avebury, is now marked by a concrete pillar).

Woodhenge:

Woodhenge is a Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age monument originally made up of a series of concentric circles of wooden poles within a circular bank and ditch. It is of similar size to Stonehenge and lies between Larkhill and Amesbury, about 2km (1.2miles) north east of the stone circle. The site was first discovered in 1925 when rings of dark spots in a crop of wheat were noticed on aerial photographs. Excavation of the site then showed that the dark spots were holes for wooden posts. The site originally consisted of 6 rings of wooden posts radiating out from a central point. They were enclosed within an earthen bank and ditch with a north east entrance as at Stonehenge. It has conventionally been dated to about 2300-2000BC, making it contemporary with the building of the stone circle of Stonehenge. But excavations in the 1970s using new radio carbon dating techniques suggested that it could be more recent.

Longleat:

Stately home and the seat of the Thynn family constructed in the 1560’s. The centrepiece of the estate is the Elizabethan mansion, built in the late 16th century and designed by architect Robert Smythson. The house is celebrated for its grand interiors, including the magnificent Great Hall and the ornate Long Gallery, which features an impressive collection of art and antiques. The estate boasts beautifully landscaped gardens that include formal gardens, a tranquil lake, and a maze. The Longleat Hedge Maze, planted in the 1970s, is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and provides a fun challenge for visitors. One of the first drive-through safari parks outside of Africa, Longleat Safari Park allows visitors to see a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and monkeys, roaming in naturalistic habitats. The park also features attractions like the Longleat Adventure Park, which includes rides and play areas suitable for families. Longleat hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, open-air concerts, and special exhibitions. Notable attractions include the Longleat Festival of Light, which showcases stunning lantern displays during the winter months. The estate was originally owned by Sir John Thynn and has remained in the Thynn family for generations. The 7th Marquess of Bath, Ceawlin Thynn, has played a significant role in the estate's modernization and development as a tourist attraction.

The North Wessex Downs:

The North Wessex Downs, which extends into northern Wiltshire, is characterized by rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. The downs offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding.

The Cotswolds:

The Cotswolds, which partially lie within Wiltshire, are known for their idyllic villages, stone cottages, and scenic countryside. This area is popular for walking and exploring traditional English villages like Castle Combe and Lacock.

The Kennet and Avon Canal:

The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through Wiltshire, offering a peaceful route for boating, walking, and cycling. The canal is home to a variety of wildlife and is lined with historic structures, including locks, bridges, and aqueducts.

Education

Wiltshire College:

Wiltshire College & University Centre provides further and higher education opportunities across the county, with campuses in Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, and Lackham.

Cultural and Historical Education:

Many of Wiltshire's museums and historic sites, such as the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes and the Salisbury Museum, play important roles in educating the public about the region's history and heritage.

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