Highworth
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Coordinates: 51°37′51″N 1°42′43″W / 51.630850°N 1.7119367°W
| Highworth | |
 Highworth
Highworth shown within Wiltshire |
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| OS grid reference | SU2003592488 |
|---|---|
| Civil parish | Highworth |
| Unitary authority | Swindon |
| Ceremonial county | Wiltshire |
| Region | South West |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode district | SN6 |
| Dialling code | 01793 |
| Police | Wiltshire |
| Fire | Wiltshire |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | North Swindon |
| List of places: UK • England • Wiltshire | |
Highworth is a market town in the unitary authority of Swindon in Wiltshire, England, located about 6 miles (9.7 km) north-east of Swindon town centre. At the 2001 census it had a population of 7,996.[1] It is often described as the "gateway to the Cotswolds" but only on the recently erected signs, and is notable for its Queen Anne Style architecture and Georgian buildings dating from its pre-eminence in the 18th century.
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[edit] History
Highworth is mentioned in the Domesday Book as 'Wrde'.[2] During the English Civil War, when Charles I fought against Parliament, Highworth was a royalist stronghold.[3] From 1894 to 1974 there was a Highworth Rural District. In 2006 the town celebrated the 800th anniversary of the granting of the charter for its market, which is still held every Saturday.[4] Highworth, with a population of over 12,000, was formerly larger than neighbouring Swindon.[5] The origins and layout of Highworth are medieval. The centre of the old town has been designated as a conservation area.
On John Speed's map of Wiltshire (1611), the name is spelt both Highwoth (for the hundred) and Hiworth (for the town itself). Highworth was first recorded as a post town in 1673. From 1835 to 1839 there was a Penny Post between Highworth and Cold Harbour, a village on the Swindon to Cirencester road near Broad Blunsdon.[6] Mrs. Mabel Stranks, who was postmistress here during World War II, was a key reference point for members of the Auxiliary Units, a resistance organisation.[7] A memorial plaque on the wall of the former post office records her contribution.
[edit] Geography
The ancient hill-top town of Highworth occupies a pre-eminent position above the Upper Thames valley, and at 436 ft (133 m) above sea level it is the highest town in Wiltshire.[8]
[edit] Railway
Highworth was the terminus of a GWR branchline from Swindon, the Highworth branch line.
[edit] Schools
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} |
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Highworth Warneford School is a secondary school situated on Shrivenham Road.
[edit] Notable people
- William Joscelyn Arkell, geologist and palaeontologist
- Eric Buller M.C. (1894-1973), British Army officer and cricketer
- Narcissus Marsh, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh
- Melinda Messenger, model
- Helen Shapiro, singer
- Alfred Williams (1877–1930), "The Hammerman Poet" of South Marston
[edit] References
- ^ 2001 census statistics
- ^ Highworth previous names
- ^ English civil war Highworth
- ^ Highworth Market
- ^ Highworth population info
- ^ Siggers, Dr. John (1982) Wiltshire and its Postmarks, p. 309, Devizes, Wiltshire: Sandcliff Press, ISBN 0 9507685 0 2
- ^ "Hitler's Britain", Channel 5, 3 July 2003
- ^ Highworth Historical Society website
