Heritage Open Days in September

In conjunction with The Harnham Water Meadows Trust and Wilton Town Council we are hosting a number of Heritage Open Day attractions during September, including a visit to the Harnham Water Meadows and access to the historic Wilton Council Chambers

The visit to Harnham Water Meadows takes place on Friday 13 September: 10.30am – 12 Noon.    No booking required. Dr Hadrian Cook will introduce guests to the 17th century Harnham Water Meadows to learn about the historic operation, and economic and conservation interests of the Water Meadows. This is an opportunity to walk on the meadows, learn about their operation and gain great views of Salisbury Cathedral.

Wilton Town Council is delighted to provide access to its Council Chambers (Council Office, Kingsbury Square, Wilton, Wiltshire SP2 0BA) for National Heritage Open Days 2019 in collaboration with Salisbury Civic Society on Friday 20th September. This is a free event and there is no need to pre-book – just turn up anytime between 10.00am-2.00pm on the day. A portrait by Rex Whistler of Wilton’s first female Mayor, Edith Olivier MBE; medieval town charters; royal portraits, and a fifteenth-century chest are just some of the treasures housed in this beautiful building. The history of the Chambers themselves are just as rich, and include use as: a Wesleyan Methodist chapel; the home of the Wilton Total Abstinence Society; a canteen for troops during World War I, and a Masonic temple. Come along and see this fascinating part of Wiltshire’s history for yourself! Information will be provided on site, and volunteers will be available to provide assistance. For further information on the above events go to www.salisburycivicsociety.org.uk/events/

Please note:  Please note:  We’ve just heard that there’s been a change of plan with this event, which we publicised at the end of last month. Rather than being open from 10am to 4pm, the chambers will in fact be open from 10am to 2pm. At 2pm there will be a lecture there, organised by the Wilton U3A. The speaker will be Andy Rhind-Tutt, and his talk will be on ‘Blick Mead: The Discovery of the cradle of Stonehenge.’ This will be open to all, and free of charge. Rebecca Lyons of the Wilton History Festival apologises for any inconvenience caused.