Pictures of Chiseldon

About Chiseldon

This is an attractive large village lying to the edge of the Marlborough Downs, its inclusion in the Doomsday Book indicates at that time it was a village of some importance.

The oldest building in the village is the handsome 13th century church dedicated to The Holy Cross. The church boasts a strong community spirit, and is attended by residents, the local school children and visitors.

Chiseldon has an interesting local history museum, two pubs - the Patriot Arms and the Elm Tree, with the latter being originally a thatched beer house of 1845, so named for the huge elm tree which stood on the village green until the 1970's. It also has two hotels and various other businesses.

The Midland and South Western Railway line arrived in Chiseldon in 1881, this created opportunities for people to leave working in agriculture to work in the railway sheds at Swindon. The line, which ran through the centre of the village ceased in 1961 and is now a pleasant grassed recreational area.

During World War II Chiseldon was home to an American army camp and a station for the R.A.F.

Chiseldon is surrounded by pleasant countryside where there is evidence of old hill-forts, it is also close to the Coate Water Park and gives easy access to The Ridgeway path.

The nearest large towns are Swindon with its fascinating shops and interesting museum, and historic Marlborough, lying on the lovely River Kennet.