Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2009-06-30 07:44:33 - Graham Ellis
Around 200 years ago, Melksham was the largest town for many miles around - it dwarfed even places like Swindon. However, in the Victorian age it grew very much slower and it hasn't caught up yet. So looking around the town you'll find, hidden in odd corners, a very great deal of history.
This particular building backs on to the High Street - close to the rear of Asher's Cafe, and it seems to be a piece of history that's just lying discarded. And it's not alone
From the town centre, there used to be pathways to neighbouring towns. Some have become roads (and quite major ones). Others, such as Stratton's walk, have decreased in their importance into mere local alleyways, such as Stratton's Walk. If you follow the path beside the Baguette bar, you'll go through this uninviting passage then come out onto suburban roads and go past the Co-op... following futher, I suspect it leads into the path to Redstocks, Rowde and Devizes although with some sections missing.
But the section in town ain't pretty!
There are other cut through / alley ways that also have historic significance - but are a little further out and a little greener. Hardie Walk follows the path of the Old Wilts and Berks canal. Well - at least it's green on one side, but wouldn't it be so much more welcoming if there was indeed still a canal here?
Around 200 years ago, Melksham was the largest town for many miles around - it dwarfed even places like Swindon. However, in the Victorian age it grew very much slower and it hasn't caught up yet. So looking around the town you'll find, hidden in odd corners, a very great deal of history.
From the town centre, there used to be pathways to neighbouring towns. Some have become roads (and quite major ones). Others, such as Stratton's walk, have decreased in their importance into mere local alleyways, such as Stratton's Walk. If you follow the path beside the Baguette bar, you'll go through this uninviting passage then come out onto suburban roads and go past the Co-op... following futher, I suspect it leads into the path to Redstocks, Rowde and Devizes although with some sections missing.
There are other cut through / alley ways that also have historic significance - but are a little further out and a little greener. Hardie Walk follows the path of the Old Wilts and Berks canal. Well - at least it's green on one side, but wouldn't it be so much more welcoming if there was indeed still a canal here?