Victorian photographs unearthed

Victorian photographs unearthed

These interesting Victorian photographs were unearthed by our Chairman from Stephen Lord’s collection. Above: St. Bartholomew’s Church, a picture taken before 1875, the year in which church architect G. E. Street started a thorough rebuilding. This shows the tower in...

100 years ago: Submarine blockade of British isles

100 years ago: Submarine blockade of British isles

By February 1915 the submarine blockade of the British Isles has begun, and in that month also the BEF is engaged in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. The Western Front is relatively stabilised, with limited attacks by both sides, but in April the Germans begin to use...

General Election riot… 150 years ago

The General Election of 1865, which resulted in the ministry of Lord John Russell, was the occasion of a riot in Chippenham. There were then two seats for the Chippenham constituency: Sir John Neeld (Conservative) was elected to one of them; the other was won by Sir...

The Goldney Family and Beechfield House

The Goldney Family and Beechfield House

Who were the Goldneys? If we go back to a document entitled The History of Parliament: The House of Commons 1509–1558, we learn that Henry (born before 1517), was the son of a wealthy farmer and clothier named Nicholas Afternewell. The will of Nicholas was apparently...

Best foot forward for Corsham Walking Festival

Best foot forward for Corsham Walking Festival

Book now to take your pick of 22 guided walks during Corsham’s first weekend Walking Festival on 12–14 June. Building on the success of a one-day event last year, for 2015 an enthusiastic group of volunteers (generously supported by local businesses and community...