By John Chandler, consultant editor, Wiltshire VCH

For nearly 70 years the Victoria County History has been researching and describing the history of Wiltshire towns, and work on two of the last to be tackled, Chippenham and Mere, is under way. In recent years, as the study of landscape history has developed, VCH authors have tried to explain how towns have evolved into the shape and appearance they have today. John Chandler, who is currently working for the VCH on Chippenham, has lectured and written extensively about Wiltshire towns, including Salisbury and Swindon, for many years. In this illustrated talk he explains how the study of towns has changed since the 1950s, how this has helped us to understand and appreciate Wiltshire towns, and how these new approaches are reflected in the VCH treatment of urban history.

All proceeds to the Victoria County History Wiltshire Trust, who have organised this lecture.