Discover Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Trowbridge is the county town of Wiltshire, England. It is located on the western part of the county, a short distance from the border with Somerset, and 19 km (12 mi) from Bath. Trowbridge has a population of around 29,000 people (2012 estimate).

Trowbridge, Wiltshire, with the St James Parish Church in the background: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fore_Street,_Trowbridge_-_geograph.org.uk_-_368316.jpg
Author: Phil Williams


Human habitation in the Trowbridge area goes back thousands of years. There is evidence that agriculture has been performed here as far back as 3,000 years ago. The town however probably did not materialize until the Anglo-Saxon period. It was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Straburg, a name it was known at that time.

The first mention of Trowbridge was in the seige of Trowbridge Castle in 1139, suggesting that the castle was built before then, and the name Trowbridge was already in use. In the Middle Ages, the town had a tradition in weaving. This developed in the 13th century into a thriving textile industry.

The arrival of the Industrial Revolution was met by opposition from workers of the weaving industry, fearful of a loss of jobs. This erupted into the riots of 1785 and 1792. Trowbridge was one of the major textile producing towns in the 19th century, when it had over two thousand wool-producing factories. The industry faced a decline beginning in the late 19th century, and the last mill closed in 1982.

Today Trowbridge has a well-preserved city center. There are many buildings particularly within the Newtown conservation area, that are today protected, including six Grade I listed heritage buildings.

Visiting Trowbridge

From London take the M4 motorway to Junction 17, then continue south on the A350 road until roundabout with the A361 road. Head west on the A361 to arrive in Trowbridge.

Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge: Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Trinity_Church_Trowbridge.jpg
Author: Gkullberg

Places of Interest in Trowbridge

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