Press Release 7 February 2017
Marlborough
History of the town
The thriving town of Marlborough nestles in the Kennet Valley and is set in the stunning scenery of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
There is countryside within 10 minutes’ walk of the High Street in almost any direction. Avebury stone circles and the ancient Savernake Forest are literally on the doorstep and the River Kennet, a fine example of a chalk stream flows just yards from the town centre. Despite its perfect location, the town has remained unspoilt, retaining its historic charm.
Evidence found shows that Marlborough was the earliest centre of human settlement in Britain, justifying its reputation as the ‘Gateway to Ancient Britain’. After the Norman Conquest, the keep of a motte-and-bailey castle was built on a prehistoric archaeological mound in what are now the grounds of Marlborough College. Legend tells us that the Marlborough Mound is the burial place of Merlin, King Arthur’s magician. King John gave the town its first Royal Charter in 1204 granting its status as a market town and gave permission for the fairs which continue today.
During the Middle Ages and after the Wars of the Roses, the castle fell into ruins and the estate passed into the hands of the Seymour family, Henry VIII’s in-laws. In 1653 there was a great fire in Marlborough which spread to burn the Guildhall and 244 houses to the ground. Marlborough is on the old Bath Road from London to the west; the town became a favourite watering hole for both horses and travellers in the past and its welcome to visitors continues today.
Things to see and do
The handsome former staging post of Marlborough has evolved into a stylish and cosmopolitan town with its own chic café culture, offering a unique blend of attractions and facilities. With a twice-weekly market, its High Street is one of the widest in Europe, lined on both sides with characterful old buildings housing an array of high quality shops. Don’t forget to explore the side streets, riverside parks and green spaces too.
Visit The Merchant’s House on the High Street, one of the finest 17th century middle class homes open to the public in England. It contains a wealth of period features, paintings and artefacts. Also on the High Street is St Peter’s Church, now a community centre with a gallery and café.
The Marlborough White Horse lies in the grounds of Marlborough College and is the smallest white horse in Wiltshire – it was cut in 1804 by a group of schoolboys.
Annual Events & Entertainment
The Marlborough Literature Festival runs every September attracting a wide range of respected authors and offers an absolute feast of writing, tales and poetry. Every summer Marlborough College runs the over 600 courses and an array of eclectic entertainment as part of Marlborough College Summer School. Marlborough hosts an Open Studios event in July when local artists showcase their work and the Mop Fairs take place over two weekends in October.
Where to eat and shop
There is a range of quality shops in the High Street and there’s free community Wi-Fi throughout the centre.
Rick Stein has a 100-seat restaurant in Marlborough in a Grade II listed building on the historic High Street. Restaurants as well as a choice of cafes and pubs line the town centre and its environs so there’s something to suit all pockets. This town has the best that retail therapy can offer with well-known high street chains alongside many small independent shops. Clothing and fashion is especially well catered for.
Nearby is the award-winning Bell Inn at Ramsbury, a sophisticated yet informal modern British restaurant.
Where to stay
The Merlin is a classic Georgian building and has been run as a Bed & Breakfast by the same family for 20 years. The Marlborough Cottage is a luxurious self-catering cottage in the magnificent grounds of the Rockley Manor estate. There are other accommodation providers in and around the town and Rick Stein’s Marlborough base is planning to open a guest house in late 2017.
Camping can be found in the Savernake Forest at Postern Hill Caravan and Camping Site.
Connectivity
Marlborough is a 10-minute drive from the M4 Junction 15. There are several bus routes and the nearest train stations are at Swindon (12 miles) and Pewsey (7 miles).
What’s nearby?
Savernake Forest is ancient woodland just two miles outside Marlborough. Ramsbury Brewery & Distillery farms its own barley and wheat to make the finest beers and spirits. Tours are available for advance booking. Hackpen White Horse some five miles out of Marlborough was created to commemorate Queen Victoria’s coronation and West Kennet Long Barrow also five miles away is one of the largest Neolithic burial chambers in Britain. Avebury Stone Circle and Avebury Manor and Garden are also nearby. Silbury Hill, the largest man made mound in Europe, is just a few minutes away and part of the Avebury World Heritage Site. Visit some of the oldest working steam engines in the world at Crofton Beam Engines.
The Ridgeway is a National Trail just outside Marlborough which takes in this ancient landscape, downland, secluded valleys and woodland. West Woods owned by the Forestry Commission near Marlborough is famous for its beautiful bluebells in spring.
For further information please see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/marlborough
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Note to editors: VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
For further information about Marlborough Town Council visit www.marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk
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