Wiltshire

About Wiltshire  

Wiltshire Coat of Arms

Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in south west England bordered by the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire it is a landlocked county. Wilton, near Salisbury, was the county town but was superseded by Trowbridge from the 1930s. The county also contains the unitary authority of Swindon.

Geographically Wiltshire is characterised by high downlands with wide valleys and the Salisbury Plain covers a large swathe of the county. The Plain is famous as the main training area in the UK of the British Army and also the location of the Stonehenge stone circle, Avebury stone circle and other ancient landmarks.

The county’s only city, Salisbury, is notable for its medieval cathedral which has the highest spire in the UK (123 metres). There are many important country houses that are open to the public including Longleat, near Warminster, Wilton House, near Salisbury and the National Trust’s Stourhead, near Mere.

The Wiltshire economy is supported by housing the head offices of WH Smith, Dyson, Early Learning Centre, Honda and Nationwide. Employment is based around the defence industries supporting the MOD training facilities within the county and nationally.

Wiltshire County Flag

Facts  

  • Population – 455,500 (2008)
  • County Town and Administrative HQ – Trowbridge
  • Governing Authority – Wiltshire Council
  • Regional Planning Body – South West Strategic Leaders’ Board
  • Major Industries – Retail; Manufacturing; Public Administration; Defence; Tourism; Agriculture
  • Police – Wiltshire Police
  • Fire – Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – Great Western Ambulance Service

Discover Wiltshire – useful links to guides, what’s on and places to see  

Salisbury Cathedral - Salisbury, Wiltshire

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