John Buckler watercolours of St Michael’s Church – Melksham
Volunteer Anna takes a look at one of our local churches... Like most churches, St Michael’s Church has a rich history and its architecture is recognised through its Grade II* listing. Being the parish church (for the Church of England) for Melksham, it has great importance for the area. The
Collection of Melksham photographs
Volunteer Anna has taken an indepth look at one of her local towns, Melksham. She has discovered photographs of the area in our archive. Melksham, a small parish town, has a rich history of trade, originating from the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval times. Anglo-Saxon evidence around certain Churches suggest that the
Microscope belonging to William Cunnington III
William Cunnington III was the driving force behind the founding of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society in 1853. He was the grandson of William Cunnington I, the Heytesbury wool merchant who excavated the Bronze Age burial mounds on Salisbury Plain with Sir Richard Colt Hoare in the early
Kennet and Avon Canal at Seend
Volunteer Anna takes has underaken research into Seend and the Kennet and Avon Canal.... The Kennet and Avon Canal which runs past Seend, was built to link London and Bristol. It is named after the rivers it joins ie the River Kennet and the River Avon. The canal is 57
Holy Cross Church, Seend
Student volunteer Anna takes a look at Holy Cross Church in Seend... Holy Cross Church, is a Grade 1 listed church (in 1962), funded by John Stokys and dating from around 1450 with Norman remains to the low west tower. It is the main parish church for Seend village with
39-41 Long Street – who lived here before the Museum?
The Wiltshire Museum is housed in 5 buildings - 2 Georgian town houses, a Georgian school, a Victorian entrance and a 1980's gallery. The buildings have been schools, doctors and a vets and were lived in by the Beames and Waylen families. Watch this short slideshow to find out more.
Assize Court – Terry Gaylard oral history interview
In development Oral history interview with Terry Gaylard, former reporter for the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald. Read more about Terry in this story in the Gazette.
Bone of crane flute
This fascinating artefact is a Bronze Age bone flute excavated by William Cunnington from bowl barrow Wilsford G23. The flute was found with the primary cremation, alongside 2 daggers, a pin and a perforated whetstone. With a highly polished finish it is clear that it was a prized object. The
The Anarchy – Princess Matilda
For Local History month, volunteer Sasha has taken a look into the complex history of Empress Matilda, who had an important role in Devizes' history ... "Perhaps a lesser-known civil war, the Anarchy (1135-1153), was a dispute between two grandchildren of William the Conqueror: The Empress Matilda and Stephen of
Red Glass Bead
This red glass bead was found in a Bell Barrow at Wilsford, found in the corner of a display, it may seem unremarkable but really it has an interesting story behind it. The bead was most likely made between 2500BC - 1000BC and is possibly one of the oldest pieces