A Rich Industrial Heritage Brought to Life The source of many Wiltshire towns’ modernday prosperity lies in the production of woollen broadcloth in centuries past. Apart from Wilton Carpets – which has been trading on the same site in the former capital of Wessex for more than 300 years – the textile industry is long gone. But outstanding examples of industrial architecture remain to provide tangible links with the past. Back in its textile manufacturing heyday, Bradford on Avon was home to more than 30 cloth factories. Today, the towering walls of Abbey Mill still flank the river, while the cottages once inhabited by spinners and weavers can be seen clinging to the hillside above. In Trowbridge the history of weaving dates back over 1,000 years. The result is an important architectural legacy ranging from the late-16th to the mid-19th century. Trowbridge Museum, following extensive renovation and expansion, has a fascinating collection relating to West Country woollen cloth production, including interactive exhibits, sensory experiences and working looms. The Hall is a hidden gem in central Bradford on Avon. Historically significant for its connection to the industrial trade, it has had a variety of purposes including that of a family home, a storage space for wool, accommodation for factory workers, and an officer’s mess. For much of its 87-mile course, the beautifully restored Kennet & Avon Canal runs through Wiltshire. During the Industrial Revolution it was a key means of transport for goods and materials. Today it makes a peaceful and unhurried way to enjoy the county’s timeless scenery. Colourful narrowboats are the traditional way to travel. But you can also walk or cycle along the towpath. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Or take to the water in a canoe. In the course of your journey along and around the canal you will come across outstanding examples of industrial archaeology. Pay a visit to Crofton Beam Engines, just outside Marlborough – 200 years old, yet still capable of performing their original job. Nearby Wilton Windmill, the only working windmill in Wessex, where you can buy a bag of Wiltshire flour to take home. Or the flight of 29 locks at Caen Hill on the edge of Devizes – an astonishing feat of engineering. For further inspiration, view our Kennet & Avon Canal film here: visitwiltshire.co.uk/videos. In 1840 Isambard Kingdom Brunel chose to site the factory for his Great Western Railway in Swindon. Today, the Grade II listed buildings of the former railway works make a fitting home for STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. Here you can step back in time, try out the interactive exhibits, and discover the story of this iconic line. For the chance to actually ride aboard a vintage steam train, head for Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Wiltshire’s local museums offer further links with the past. Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury traces the history of lacemaking. Chippenham Museum highlights aspects of trade and industry, including a working model of a flourmill. While displays at Royal Wootton Bassett Museum depict the town’s social, rural, commercial and industrial history. Wiltshire has long been renowned for its local ales and, happily for us, one industry that does survive to this day is brewing. Founded in 1875, Wadworth Brewery has moved from its original home to a new state of the art brewing facility in Folly Road in Devizes. Its mighty Shire horses can often be seen pulling their barrel-laden dray around the town, raising a smile and a wave from visitors and local residents alike. Wiltshire is blessed with a number of smaller breweries dotted around the county including Stone Daisy Brewery in the Fonthill Estate. Stone Daisy Brewery Wadworth Shire Horses 8 #timeforwiltshire
PLAY VIDEO STEAM Museum of Great Western Railway Bradford on Avon Wilton Windmill Wadworth Beers Kennet and Avon Canal Trowbridge Museum visitwiltshire.co.uk 9
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