Warminster

Directory Information

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About Warminster

High Street, Warminster

High Street, Warminster

Warminster is a town in western Wiltshire by-passed by the A36 and located near Frome and Westbury. The River Were (a tributary of the River Wylye) runs through the town and can be seen running through the middle of the town’s park. Longleat, the country estate and safari park, and currently the seat of the Marquesses of Bath, is located on the outskirts of Warminster. Warminster is twinned with the town of Flers in France.

 

 

History

Christ Church, Warminster

Christ Church, Warminster

  • Evidence of early settlements exist around the town including the Iron Age hill forts of Battlesbury Camp and Cley Hill.
  • The town’s name is believed to be derived from the name ‘Were-minster’. The name Warminster first occurred in the early 10th century. Warminster itself was first settled in the Saxon period.
  • The town’s growth followed the wool trade in the late Middle Ages and led to the construction of many magnificent structures, including the Minster Church of Saint Denys which had an organ originally destined for the then under-construction Salisbury Cathedral.
  • During the Middle Ages, Warminster became famous not only for its wool and cloth trade but also as a corn market (it was second only to Bristol in the West of England). Many of the buildings which survive in the Market Place owe their origin to the great prosperity of the corn market days when they were inns and hosteleries for buyers and sellers or used as stores and warehouses.
  • An extension of the corn trade still exists with Warminster Malsters still breeding and malting barley.
  • In the 1600s a bell foundry operated in the town making bells for several local churches.  

Facts

  • Population – 17,377 (2001)
  • Unitary Authority – Wiltshire Council
  • Major Industries – Defence; Military; Glove Making; Tourism (Longleat)
  • Post Town – WARMINSTER
  • Postcode District – BA12
  • Dialling code – 01985
  • Police – Wiltshire Police
  • Fire – Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – Great Western Ambulance Service

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

Longleat House, Warminster

Longleat House, Warminster

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