Heritage Open Days in Wilton Wiltshire

St Mary's Church, Wilton, Wiltshire

Explore the fascinating history of Old St Mary in Wilton with talks about its history , St Edith, Pilgrim Badges and the history of the Market Place

Images of St Edith

A memorial to the people of Wilton.
On completion of Wyatt and Brandon's 'Italianate' church in 1845, this 'old' church in the Market Place was partially demolished, leaving only the chancel with one bay of the nave, and the ruins of the arcades and tower arch. Apart from the charming eighteenth-century ceiling, there are fascinating memorials to the people of Wilton in the remains of this church, which stands surrounded by the romantic ruins of its arcades and tower arch.
In the later Anglo-Saxon period Wilton was one of the most important towns in Wessex; it was the town or burgh on the river Wylye which gave its name to the then new county of Wiltshire. This town was strategically placed on a tongue of higher ground just above the confluence of the rivers Wylye and Nadder, and surrounded on the north, south and east by the marshy ground and the rivers.
Hear more about the connection with St Edith and pilgrimage journeys. Edith of Wilton was an English saint, nun and member of the community at Wilton Abbey, and the daughter of Edgar, King of England (r. 959–975) and Saint Wulfthryth.
There will be talks through the day at 10.30 am (General History) 11.00 am (Images of Edith) 12 noon (Changes in the centre of Wilton and repeated in the afternoon at 13.30, 14.00 and 15.00 respectively.

Timings

Saturday 14 September

10.00-16.00

Location & directions

The Old Rectory, Market Place, Wilton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 0HT

Directions:

3 miles west of Salisbury on A30, in the centre of Wilton. Nearest railway station: Salisbury (2.5 miles). Bus route numbers 2/13/25/25A/R3. Adjacent to the market square, access is on a stone level path from the pavement with a gentle slope to the double west doors. There is plenty of parking in the square and adjacent streets. The Market Square has 2 hours free parking and there is all day free parking in South Street. with 1 hour parking in Russell Street. Access is clear for users with limited mobility.

Contact on day:

Rachel Whitty

Telephone number:

+447872502118

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Est. tour duration:

30 minutes

 

For more info head to: Images of St Edith (heritageopendays.org.uk)