St Mary's Church
Merlin and King Arthur - Merlin is reputed be buried in the grounds of Marlborough College
The 1653 Merchant's House in the High Street
Wiltshire's heritage is unique and outstanding. You have probably heard of Stonehenge, but Wiltshire has so much more to offer.
22 organisations from across Wiltshire have come together to provide a virtual display of Wiltshire's heritage.
Our website encompasses archaeology, architecture, art, and nature, as well as museum treasures, historical photographs, archives, and local history collections. Discover Wiltshire's amazing heritage.
Marlborough is steeped in history. Although the town's high street is reputed to be one of the widest in Britain, the narrow alleyways that run off it resonate with echoes of the past – and as you'll see, Marlborough has quite a past...
Here’s a quick run through of some of the town’s more significant dates and events: the name ‘Marlborough’ first pops up in the Domesday Book of 1097. In 1204 the town was granted a Royal Charter by King John (yes, he of Robin Hood fame) so enabling Marlborough to achieve market town status and in 1498
Detail from a tapestry depicting King John hunting in Savernake who apparently had a 'soft spot' for Marlborough
Here’s a quick run through of some of the town’s more significant dates and events: the name ‘Marlborough’ first pops up in the Domesday Book of 1097. In 1204 the town was granted a Royal Charter by King John (yes, he of Robin Hood fame) so enabling Marlborough to achieve market town status and in 1498
Cardinal Wolsey - statesman to King Henry Eighth of England
Cardinal Wolsey was ordained in St Mary’s - one of the two churches which stand at either end of Marlborough’s wide High Street. Because the people of Marlborough were against King Charles I, preferring instead to support Parliament, the town was sacked and burned following a fierce battle in 1642. The legacies of the violent historical past can in fact be seen in Marlborough’s architecture. Some of the town’s buildings (St Mary's church in particular) still bear the scars of the 1642 battle.
One of Avebury's enigmatic stones
This part of the world has many attractions for visitors, not the least of which is Savernake Forest (good Sunday morning walking just a five-minute drive away) established by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground - King Henry VIII being the last monarch to use it for that purpose.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then motor west on the A4 for 20 minutes or so.And low and behold you find yourself in front of, or close to, a couple of World Heritage sites - Avebury Henge and Silbury Hill. Avebury’s stone circle is a prehistoric and massively atmospheric monument of unknown purpose; Silbury is Europe’s largest prehistoric man-made mound, but again, why is it there and who built it? Literally over the road from Silbury Hill is West Kennet Longbarrow – a burial chamber that dates back to 3700 BC and one of the biggest of its kind in Britain. All strange stuff!
Salisbury Plain in early Spring - wide open skies, wide open spaces
And whilst on the mysteries of the very dim and distant past, due south of Marlborough are the 780 km2 of Salisbury Plain
famous principally for a landmark that’s known the world over - Stonehenge. (Some feel that Stonehenge doesn’t quite have the character of Avebury henge though...) Or if you simply enjoy beautiful English countryside, the Vale Of Pewsey is just 20 minutes away. The only problem is, how are you going to find the time to pack it all in? The simple answer – stay for a week.
And when you get in touch with (or visit) any of the businesses on this website, please mention that you found them through www.marlboroughwiltshire.co.uk. Thank you.
One of Avebury's enigmatic stones
Salisbury Plain in early Spring - wide open skies, wide open spaces
Apart from the three hotels in Marlborough's High Street, many of the pubs also have rooms and there's a range of luxury and standard B&Bs both inside the town and just outside of it...
If shopping floats your boat, then prepare to cruise. Quite simply, Marlborough is to shopping (especially fashion), what Chanel is to perfume and green is to Wellies.
Within reason, whatever your preference may be, you can probably exercise it in Marlborough. There's no shortage of choice – fine dining, fast food, pub grub, deli-style made-to-measure sandwiches - you’ll find it here…
Wilton Windmill stands high above the small village of Wilton, near Marlborough in Wiltshire, on a site that provides magnificent views of the surrounding hills...
The Wiltshire Heritage Museum, together with its associated Library and Art Gallery, holds collections covering the archaeology, recent history, natural history and art of Wiltshire; including what are arguably some of the finest Bronze Age finds to be seen outside London. The collections have been Designated as being a significant part of England’s cultural heritage.
For all enquiries, please call 01672 511716. Copyright Wiltshire Websites 2009. Terms. Privacy.