MEMBERS of the local history society recently visited the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre at Chippenham. We spent an interesting morning viewing maps, documents and photographs relating to the parish of Redlynch, which had been specially selected by the county local studies librarian, Michael Marshman.
The old maps were particularly fascinating, giving information on roads, boundaries and land use as well as showing which properties existed.
On a map of 1824 Muddyford Lane was called Salt Lane and Timberley Lane extended to the top of the road, now called Bower’s Hill.
We were able to study vestry papers, the school log books of Nomansland and Redlynch, an Inland Revenue map and ledger dated 1910, the deeds (1750 to 1840) of the King’s Head and accounts relating to repairs at Richardson’s Farm.
We also had the opportunity in the afternoon to use other resources and records. We had a worthwhile day and it made us realise that there is a wealth of information about our local villages, providing factual information and glimpses of social history. The record office is some distance away, but is well worth a visit.
The next meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 6 at Morgan’s Vale and Woodfalls Village Hall.
The topic is A Tale of Two Cities – Old Sarum to New Sarum by Diana Goetz. All are welcome.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here