Towns in North Wiltshire
North Wiltshire can be described as a local government district located in Wiltshire in England. It has its council in Chippenham. North Wiltshire can boast of having six market towns each of which has a distinct identity and character. These contrasts add to the beauty of this district. Let these towns be seen at a glance.
Calne
The very glimpse of Calne can refresh the onlooker. This goes to prove that it is lively to that extent. Calne is known for manufacturing wooden broadcloth. This trade prospered in the Middle Age. The generosity of natives can be proved by having a look at the gorgeous St Mary’s Church. Inside it stands a memorial of Dr. Ingenhousz. He is said to have introduced vaccination. Today, Calne can boast of being a home to antique shops, interesting buildings, walk along the banks of river, Friday market, and the ancient coaching inns. The tourist can also enjoy the stay at thatched cottages of villages named Heddington, Sandy Lane, and Derry Hill which are located in the vicinity of Calne.
Chippenham
Chippenham enjoys the status of being the biggest town in North Wiltshire. The river Avon has swans gliding along it. This city is as old as 1000 years. It used to be the Royal Hunting Lodge of Alfred The Great. He had planned the winning strategy against Danes here. The Middle age marked the beginning of wool trade. Cheese market also prospered then. The reason behind this development was the construction of stagecoach route connecting London and Bristol, along with the emergence of the Great Western Railway. Chippenham is a home to the old Buttercross, St Andrew’s Church, Yelde hall of 15th century, and St Mary Street.
Corsham
The prosperity of Corsham is attributed to excavation of the Golden Bath Stone and wool trade. The stories related to this would be found in Heritage Center. Corsham contains structures such as Corsham Court, Hungerford Almhouses, old inns, Flemish buildings of the 17th century, and the spacious Town Hall. There is a small village in its vicinity. It was named Pickwick. The name was derived from Moses Pickwick, who was an abandoned baby. This name was then seen on Charles Dickens’s carrier’s cart. Tuesday is the day when the market of the town is held.
Cricklade
Cricklade and London have one thing in common. Both of them stand on the river Thames. During the Iron Age, there existed some track ways. However, Romans were the first to construct Ermin Street metallic road. The purpose of this road was crossing the small flood plain ranging from Speen to Gloucester.
Malmesbury
Malmesbury is better known as Queen of Hilltop Towns. It is believed to be the oldest borough of England. Its history is said to be around 1000 years old. Malmesbury is situated on hill, surrounded by river Avon. Athelstan, England’s 1st king had capitalized Malmesbury.
Wootton Bassett
Wootton Bassett had been under the control of Saxons in 681. Later in the 12th century, it was passed on to Lord Bassett. He was given the right of holding weekly markets. Henry III had given it to him. The things worth seeing include Jubilee Lake, and Clyffe Pypard.