The document profiles the five largest towns in Wiltshire, England: Swindon, Salisbury, Chippenham, Trowbridge, and Melksham. It provides information on the population, location, origins, governance, etymology, demonym, and key attractions for each town. The largest is Swindon, with a population of 209,000, followed by Salisbury with 41,500 residents. The document also includes useful links for further information on visiting and learning about Wiltshire's towns.
2. Swindon
• Population: 209,000 (2011)
• Location: North East Wiltshire, M4 corridor
• Origins: Saxon (Swindon Old Town)
• Governance: Borough of Swindon Unitary Authority
• Etymology: Saxon swine (pig) + dun (hill)
• Demonym: Swindonian
• Attractions:
– National Monuments Record Centre
– Steam (Great Western Railway) Museum
– Outlet Village in the Old Railway Engine Works
3. Salisbury (New Sarum)
• Population: 41,500 (2011)
• Location: South East Wiltshire, confluence of 5 rivers south of
Salisbury Plain
• Origins: Neolithic Hill Fort (Old Sarum)
• Governance: Wiltshire Unitary Authority
• Etymology: Corruption of possibly Celtic sorbio (dry) and/or Saxon
searu (trick) + dun (hill fort), changed to Saxon borough
• Demonym: Sarumite
• Attractions:
– Salisbury Cathedral & Spire
– Stonehenge World Heritage Site
– Salisbury International Arts Festival
4. Chippenham
• Population: 34,000 (2011)
• Location: North West Wiltshire, on the Bristol Avon
• Origins: Roman (or earlier)/Saxon (town)
• Governance: Wiltshire Unitary Authority
• Etymology: Cippa (a name) or Saxon ceap (market) +
hamm (settlement)
• Demonym: Chippenhamites
• Attractions:
– Castle Combe village nearby
– Lacock Abbey & village nearby
– Surrounding countryside – woodland, Marlborough
Downs, Cotswolds, Salisbury Plain
5. Trowbridge
• Population: 32,500 (2011)
• Location: West Wiltshire, on the Kennet & Avon Canal
• Origins: Bronze Age
• Governance: Wiltshire Unitary Authority
• Etymology: Old English treow (tree) + brycg (bridge) or
Trowle (a nearby village) + bridge
• Demonym: Trowbridgians
• Attractions:
– Trowbridge Museum
– Trowbridge Village Pump Festival
– Textile Heritage including The Handle House
6. Melksham
• Population: 22,000 (2011)
• Location: West Wiltshire, on the Bristol Avon
• Origins: Saxon Royal Estate (earliest known)
• Governance: Wiltshire Unitary Authority
• Etymology: Old English meoloc (milk) + ham
(settlement)
• Demonym: Melkshamites
• Attractions:
– Regency buildings including The Roundhouse
– Party in the Park in July
– The Spa – Regency housing, springs, pump rooms & baths
7. Useful Links
• Visit Wiltshire
• Salisbury Cathedral
• Stonehenge Guide
• Wiltshire Map
• Wiltshire Tourist Guide
• Solicitors Melksham
• Trowbridge Village Pump Festival
• Wiltshire Council
