Melksham

The town of Melksham evolved at a ford across the River Avon and was once part of a vast royal forest that stretched as far as Chippenham and was a favourite hunting ground of Tudor Kings. In the 19th century, the town boasted the discovery of Saline and Chalybeate springs, and an attempt was made in 1815 to develop the town as a spa that would rival nearby Bath. This attempt failed, however you can still trace some of the fine Regency building in the town and, on the outskirts of the town, it is possible to see examples of the original fine houses built as part of the spa development.