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Marlborough, Wiltshire

Exploring the High Street - ½ Day

Park in the main car park, accessible from George Lane (follow signs to car park ). Toilets are available.

Marlborough High Street (image owned by Kennet District Council)Walk to the river, turn right and take the riverside walk, crossing the River Kennet at the next bridge. Keep to the left into Kennet Place and through Angel Yard into the High Street. Markets are held here on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Turn right to view The Town Hall (designed in 1882). Across the road, at the corner of Kingsbury Street, is The Church of St Mary the Virgin. Of Norman origin and rebuilt in the Cromwellian period, it is well worth a visit.

Turning back along the High Street, look out for Chandlers Yard, on the right hand side, (almost unchanged since the 17th Century) and also for the 17th Century Merchant's House (open Easter - 30 Sept, Fri & Sat , 11.00 - 16.00 tel. 01672 511491). The gift shop is open Monday to Saturday 9.30 - 17.15.

Castle and Ball Hotel (credit: David Pegden)Also of interest is The Castle and Ball Hotel which has been an inn since 1745. A plaque here commemorates The Battle of Marlborough in 1642.

Continue in a Westerly direction passing Hughenden Yard, which contains a small group of shops. Hughenden Yard in Marlborough (credit: David Pegden)In front of the yard you will see the redundant Church of St Peter which is home to a permanent craft exhibition and outlet for the work of local artists. Admission is free and facilities includes refreshments, toilets, and access for Disabled. Guide Dogs and dogs are accepted here.

Lunch may be taken at one of the many restaurants, tea shops or pubs in the town.

To view Marlborough College, follow the Bath Road where you will see the gates on left hand side. To return to the car park walk back along the right hand side of the High Street and look out for numbers 41-47, where The Great Fire of 1653 was reputed to have started. You may have time to view The Priory which adjoins the river, where a fine 1820 house has been built on the site of a 14th Century Carmelite Friary. It is reached through an arch in a modern building.

Then turn into Hilliers Yard, passing a group of interesting shops, before you reach your car