Discover Warminster, Wiltshire

Warminster, Wiltshire, with its obelisk: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Obelisk,_Warminster_-_geograph.org.uk_-_330681.jpg
Author: Phil Williams


Warminster is a town on the western part of Wiltshire, England, located to the south of Trowbridge. The town on the River Were has a population of around 17,000 people (2012 estimate).

The area that is today Warminster was first settled in the Anglo-Saxon period, although human activity has been noted going back to prehistory, judging from the numerous Iron Age forts in the area.

The name Warminster is believed to have been derived from the River Were, and the Anglo-Saxon minster or monastery that stood on its bank. The site of that minster is today the St Denys's Church, though in reality there is no tangible evidence that the said minster existed. The Church of Denys was built by the Normans in the 12th century. Although it has been called the Minster Church since the 19th century, there is no record connecting it to the minster that gave the town its name.

As with many other towns in Wiltshire, Warminster had a tradition in weaving which developed into a wool and cloth industry in the Middle Ages. There was also a major corn market here. It generated wealth that is reflected in the fine medieval houses in the Market Place.

Warminster High Street: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shops_in_High_Street,_Warminster_-_geograph.org.uk_-_239519.jpg
Author: David Hawgood

Visiting Warminster

From London take the M4 motorway to Junction 17, then head south on the A350 road until you arrive in Warminster.

Places of Interest in Warminster

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