Dry Shod to Chippenham: A History of Maud Heath’s Ancient Causeway in North Wiltshire

In 1474, the recently widowed Maud Heath gifted a substantial number of properties, in trust, so that the income from them could be used to erect and maintain a path to enable people to walk from Bremhill ‘dry shod to Chippenham’.

The history of this lady, her causeway and places of interest along its route, have been traced here, together with a varied cast of characters ranging from farmers, solicitors and inn-keepers, to antiquarian clergymen and a bishop, and even a serving Prime Minister of the 18th century.

The book looks at life in Chippenham and its outlying villages, the development of rural roads and roadside monuments, and changes in religion and schooling. It also provides brief biographies of the people connected with Maud Heath’s Causeway down the years, whether as trustees, tenants or employees, and should appeal to anyone with an interest in local, family or social history.