Trowbridge

Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire that takes its name from the Anglo Saxon words treow-brycg, meaning tree and bridge. Flemish weavers migrated to the area and brought with them the knowledge to found a cloth industry that would ensure Trowbridge prospered for centuries to come.

The Church of St James dates from the 14th century though it was extensively restored in the 1800s. George Crabbe, who is the inspiration behind much of Benjamin Britten’s work, was rector here and is buried in the chancel. The church is also very famous among campanologists (that’s bell ringers to you and me) for having 12 bells in its small tower.

The rich cloth merchants made their mark on the town and the Parade, Fore Street and Roundstone Street feature some particularly fine 18th century buildings. Checkout the Trowbridge Museum in Salter’s Mill to find out more about local history.