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Royal Wootton Bassett
Royal Wootton Bassett was a Saxon holding in 681 'Wodeton', eventually passing to Lord of the Manor Alan Bassett in 1200 who was granted the right to hold weekly markets by Henry III.
The Town Mayor in 1408 was John Wollmonger at the height of the successful wool trade and hiring fairs and cattle markets continued to be held until 1939.
Katherine Parr one of Henry VIII's wives family home was Vastern Manor.
Royal Wootton Bassett offers a weekly market, monthly farmers market,an abundance of places to eat and drink and an interesting variety of shops.
Jubilee Lake is a natural habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies, ancient trees and wild flowers providing a peaceful setting for anglers and walkers. At Templars Firs a stretch of the former Wilts and Berks Canal (LINK) hosts a biennial Trail Boat event and the area is rich in flora and fauna. Nearby at Broad Town is Wiltshire's most northerly White Horse figure carved in the chalk hillside in 1863.
Clyffe Pypard is as fascinating as its name suggests, clinging to one side of a steep slope which commands spectacular views. Home of Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, the architechural historian, who is buried at the 15th Century church.
For many years Royal Wootton Bassett had close links with the nearby Royal Air Force base at Lyneham, and in October 2011 the town was granted the "Royal" prefix in recognition of the role the town and its people played in the repatriation of UK service men and women killed as a result of war.
>>Browse accommodation in or near Wootton Bassett
Tempting places to eat and drink range from tea shops and cafes to pubs and restaurants, while shopping is a pleasure, with everything from major discount outlets in nearby Swindon to unique, individual retailers.
There is an excellent year-round programme of arts and entertainment on offer, and enough festivals and sports and leisure opportunities to satisfy even the most active of visitors... not to mention our outstanding range of places to visit.
