A History of Chippenham from Alfred to Brunel

Chippenham in Wiltshire grew from a royal foundation into a bustling medieval market town, and received its borough charter in 1544. Its economy has always been strongly linked to agriculture, with ties to landed gentry and the church. In this authoritative new history of Chippenham author Richard Baines charts its history and development from Saxon origins up to the coming of the railway. Topics described include the beginnings of the textile trade, the effect of the dissolution of nearby monasteries, the evolving civic government and the town’s MPs. The approach and consequences of the Civil War, the growth of nonconformity, early transport history, a rich architectural heritage, and Chippenham’s links with the authors John Aubrey and John Britton are also explored in this fascinating account of an important country town.