Pictures of Wanborough

About Wanborough

Historically this is an old village with a history of Saxons and Romans, it was then a village of some importance, unlike today when it has been almost swallowed up by the urban sprawl of Swindon, Wiltshire's largest industrial town.

The village has a church noted for its unusual roofline which carries a tower at one end and a spire at the other. Dating from the 14th century the church is well worth seeing, as it is believed there are only two other similar churches in Britain. The interior of the church is quite stunning, the chancel has a beautifully vaulted ceiling, and there is a superb pulpit and bench ends. This lovely ancient place of worship stands serenely in a tree lined, lawned churchyard.

In the village visitors will note houses and cottages in a variety of styles of several periods. There are three inns, The Harrow, dating to 1720 is the oldest of these, the other two - The Plough and the Brewer's Arms are both from around the middle of the 19th century. Another pub, The Black Horse can be found in Upper Wanborough. The village also supports a combined post office and general store.

Wanborough is noted as the last village along the old Ermin Street before the scarp of the Marlborough Downs. In days of yore, horses were watered here prior to making the climb off the Oxfordshire plain.

Wanborough is perfectly located for anyone wishing to explore the fine downland countryside between Swindon and Marlborough. Lambourn Downs are particularly beautiful. Often, out on the downs, it is possible to see some of the countries finest horse flesh being put through their paces in readiness for a big racing event.