Trowbridge, the County Town of Wiltshire, England
The history of Trowbridge, the county town of Wiltshire, goes a long way back. The town was named “Starburg” in the Domesday Book, and it holds the original market charter that dates back to 1200. The town grew and flourished because of its long history of producing woollen cloth. The industry that started during the Anglo-Saxon age grew in the 14th Century and left a rich architectural heritage. Examples of such legacy are the stately 18th century homes of wealthy clothiers, the Studley Mill and Handle House.
The town was once called the “Manchester of the West”, thanks to the wool production industry. Proof and traces of the town's glorious past as a wool producing town are on display at the town’s Museum and Art Gallery which also houses memorabilia of prominent citizens of this town such as Sir Isaac Pitman, inventor of shorthand.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Trowbridge
At present, however, Trowbridge is very much in the 21st century. The town has an exciting shopping scene with a broad range of shops from national chains, independent retailers to supermarkets. Also, every Wednesday there is a weekly street market and every second and fourth Friday of each month, a farmers’ market. There are also cultural activities and leisure facilities for everyone to enjoy. Hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs sit next door to the Odeon Cinema and the Civic Centre in St Stephen’s Place.
Things to See and Do in Trowbridge
Trowbridge plays host to some festival and events such as the annual country fair the Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Weekend, the annual Cloth Road Arts, and Arts Festival.
Christmas is celebrated in this town with relish. A Victorian Christmas has been developed by the Museum which recreates a traditionally decorated drawing room of the Salter family, a mill owner. A descendant of the Salter family is also asked to read Christmas stories to children while Father Christmas distribute gifts to the children.