Recent Posts The Woollen Industry David Birks Fri January 26th First 1000 years Depicting Christ Martin Whittock Fri February 23rd Wiltshire Little Known Places James Archard Fri March 22nd Next talk:  Friday April 26th Broken Pots,...

Recent PostsHistorical sites you may never have been to Speaker James Archard Have you ever wondered about the hidden historical gems nestled within the picturesque county of Wiltshire?James will embark on a journey through time,...

Recent PostsSpeaker Martyn Whittock Martyn has written many educational and history books, particularly on Anglo-Saxon England and the early medieval period, and is an experienced communicator. Dilton Marsh Memorial HallFriday 23rd...

Recent PostsDavid Birks from Trowbridge Museum Wool has provided the raw material for clothing for thousands of years and the talk will show how the woollen trade enabled three west Wiltshire towns to become thriving industrial centres....

Recent PostsGold, Frankincense and Myrrh A return visit by speaker Andrew Campbell who will tell us some of the background and significance of these items as gifts. Admission £4.00 non-members, £2.00 members Dilton Marsh Memorial...

Recent Posts Born in Newtown Trowbridge, Abraham Laverton rose from a humble background to become an important figure in the Westbury area and ended his life as one of the richest men in the West Country. How did he do it? Sally Hendry...

Recent PostsA talk by Roger Jones, author of Where Wiltshire meets Somerset and its sequel which feature some of the best walks around Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Trowbridge, Westbury and the surrounding countryside.He has explored this area...

Recent Posts  A talk by Dr Nicola Tallis author and historian. The history and significance of royal regalia.

Recent PostsAn illustrated talk by Ruth Butler from the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre about the Wiltshire landowner who led a Royalist revolt in 1655 in an attempt to restore Charles II to the throne. Dilton Marsh Memorial...

Recent PostsCome along to see village maps, old photos and items in our collection. Share your stories and memories. Saturday 17th June10am -- 3pmat Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall Admission free.All welcomeFor further information, contact...

Recent PostsWalk -- Exploring Historic Westbury LeighSat 3 June at 2:30 pm

Recent PostsAn illustrated talk by Andrew Campbell about events that followed the Battle of Worcester in 1651 when Charles II made a dramatic escape from Cromwell’s forces. A fugitive with a £1000 price on his head, he was described as a...

Recent Posts Marek Lewcun's talk on Friday 24th March 2023   Dilton Marsh Local History Society will be presenting a talk to be given by Marek Lewcun, archaeologist and Clay Pipe expert.   Marek was one of the Archaeologists who assisted...

Recent PostsDilton Marsh Local History Society Talks for 2023 The following talks have so far been arranged for 2023. Friday 27.01.2023"Frome and The Monmouth Rebellion"By Gary Kearley (This talk relates to Duke of Monmouths attempt to...

Recent PostsReality, myth and political ‘spin’ in the history of the Viking Wars. A talk by historian and author Martyn Whittock. The talk is arranged for Friday 25th November at the Dilton Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Admission £4.00...

Recent PostsA return visit by David Dawson, to talk about this iconic monument. Our speaker works at the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, which has an important collection of Bronze Age archaeology featuring gold from the time of Stonehenge....

Recent PostsAs part of the Westbury Festival, the following activities will be taking place. Charles Case Tannery 1890-1983 "This company was involved in the manufacture of high grade leather, mainly for the footware industry. They were...

Recent PostsSpeaker Julie Davis outlines the reasons for and origins of folklore, looking at Wiltshire examples which range from community rivalries, moral stories, tales of animals and witches, and the devil's association with certain...

Recent PostsWESTBURY PEOPLE AND PLACES A talk by Steve Hobbs Our speaker is well known for his wide range of knowledge about Westbury and the surrounding area and gives an insight into how local people lived in the 18th and 19th...

Recent Posts Friday 22 JulySteve Hobbs -- "Glimpses of the Past" Friday 26th AugustJulie Davis -- “Wiltshire Folklore”The Chippenham History Centre Friday 30th Sept./ Sat 1st OctCharles Case -- "Tanyard”Exhibition of associated items and...

Recent PostsArchitecture and Conservation work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Dilton Marsh Local History Society are looking forward to welcoming Jon Wort who will be delivering his talk about the organisation that maintains...

Recent PostsDilton Marsh Local History Society are looking forward to welcoming Ruth Butler, Heritage Education Officer for "Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre" who will be delivering her talk on "Wiltshire Women and the First World...

Recent PostsDilton Marsh Local History Society, together with Westbury Heritage Society and Westbury Family History Group, are  looking into the history of the Charles Case Tannery Co., which operated in Westbury Leigh from 1890 to 1983....

Recent PostsA talk by David Dawson from Devizes Museum about these iconic hillside figures found across our county. Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall Friday 25th March at 7.30pm. Admission £4.00 - Annual membership will start again in April. All...

Recent PostsThe History Society now needs your help in determining our future development. To some extent we have all been in a state of uncertainty with Covid determining so much of how we carry out group activities etc. However, some...

Recent PostsDilton Marsh Local History Society have agreed to postpone the talk by  Ruth Butler from  "The Chippenham History Centre"  on “Women in WWl“ scheduled for Friday 28th January.A new date will be arranged.

Recent PostsDilton Marsh Local History Society would welcome contact from anyone who was employed, or had relatives / contacts employed at the Charles Case Tanyard, and would be willing to pass on their memories etc. We are hoping to put...

Recent PostsA talk by Sally Hendry from Westbury Heritage Centre about her research and the restoration of the Quaker graveyard in the town. Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall Friday 26th Novemberat 7.30pm Admission £4.00 All welcome.

Recent PostsFollowing a period of great uncertainty for the history society, as regards when and how we might arrange future talks and activities, I’m pleased to say we are now in a position to commence a programme of talks. Historian,...

Recent PostsA new blue plaque is being unveiled in a Wiltshire village later, at the former home of Bristol City legend John Atyeo. He was born in Dilton Marsh near Westbury, and made more than 600 appearances for City, scoring a record...

Recent Posts→ William Bailey’s Letter to his Son In Australia (PDF) This is a transcript of a letter written in 1847 by my 3x great-grandfather, William Bailey, and his wife, Hannah (née Hearne), of Dilton Marsh to their son, William...

Recent PostsAs Dilton Marsh History Society members will be aware, there has been little or no news to report over the past twelve months. However, I was reminded recently, by one of our members of the work by the  Bath and Camertorn...

Recent PostsAn update from Graham Noble. Ruth Pearce, Could you please contact Graham Noble at: g.rc.noble@btinternet.com or on 01373 859770 All the bestGraham  A Message from Ruth Pearce I am writing to ask if any of your members...

Recent PostsI’m writing to let you know about the launch of our exciting new project called "The Lockdown Blues", which has gone live this week: https://lockdownblues.co.uk/. This is an online scrapbook to gather thoughts, experiences and...

Recent PostsAs things stand the Dilton Marsh Local History Society are not in a position to deliver their usual range of historical presentations. We feel it only sensible to continue taking appropriate precautions against virus spread....

Recent PostsAs members will be aware all our group activities and talks have had to be postponed until such time as the current guidance on social distancing is changed.However this does not preclude individuals from taking part in their...

Recent PostsAs a direct result of the society’s  recent article on clay pipes we were delighted to hear form one  Dilton resident, Ruth Collins, who kindly sent  photos of a range of pipe bowls and stems found locally by one of her sons....

Recent PostsThe talk “Early Crime and Punishment” due to take place at the Dilton Memorial hall on Friday 27th March has been postponed due to latest health issues with Coronovirus. Terry has agreed to offer a return date as and when we...

Recent PostsTerry Bracher from the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre gives an insight into how the law dealt with those who were found guilty in past centuries from documentary evidence in the county archives. Dilton Marsh Memorial...

Recent PostsWe are now looking forward to welcoming Terry Bracher giving his presentation of “Early Crime and Punishment” on Friday 27th March at the Dilton Memorial Hall 7.30 pm. Terry is an experienced archivist at the Chippenham...

Recent PostsDuring our societies various interviews with those Dilton residents who have had a long association with the village, the name of John Atyeo, English Footballer, was mentioned more than once. As a resident of a mere 18 years I...

Recent PostsThe society, as readers will note, are joining the hedgehogs this month, rolling up in a ball and waiting for February. We will then awake on Friday, February 22nd to welcome Steve Hobbs who has agreed to give the rendition of...

Recent PostsSally Hendry gave the History Society a brilliant talk entitled “Victim or Villain”, or by the more sensational title”The Bratton Murders” , presenting the life of Rebecca Smith , found guilty of poisoning one of her children...

Recent PostsThe history society were treated on Friday 13th September to a quite brilliant talk from Martin Brown,assistant county archaeologist on WW 1 Trench Warfare preparations.I’m sure many of us were unaware of the scale and detail...

Recent PostsAs some of you will remember we recently took a guided trip around Leighton House under the care of Andrew Field. Unfortunately at the time we had to place a limit on numbers attending and as such some members were unable to...

Recent PostsTONIGHT 13 September 7.30PM at the MEMORIAL HALL FROM LARKHILL TO VICTORY Martin Brown Assistant County Archaeologist will be speaking on the preparations for trench warfare in WW1. Martin has been engaged for some two years...

Recent PostsHistorian Graham Bathe has been working to establish the location of the original Wolfhall, home of the Seymour family, and frequented by Henry VIII before his marriage to Jane Seymour. Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall Friday 7th...

Recent PostsTo mark the Centenary of the Treaty of Versailles of 1919, which ended the Great War, a talk by Anthony Coutts-Britton. 7.30 pm 10th May 2019 at Dilton Memorial Hall. Entrance fee £5 on the door; BYO wine.

Recent PostsOn Friday 3rd May, 7.30 pm, at the Dilton Memorial Hall, one of our new members, Sally Hendry, has agreed to give a presentation on “The Westbury Workhouse“. Sally has recently produced an excellent booklet on this subject,...

Recent PostsApologies to readers of April magazine where I mentioned that Graham Bathe would be giving a talk on the First World War training grounds on Salisbury Plain, when it should have read Martin Brown. Martin has now agreed a date...

Recent PostsThe History Society have been fortunate in securing an invitation to visit Leighton House at 10.30am on Saturday 4th May. Should you wish to take advantage of the offer then please do let Graham Noble or any committee member...

Recent PostsIn February the History Society were treated, as expected, to a quite excellent talk from Steve Hobbs on Dilton Marsh and Westbury people through the ages. He really has been such a great example of how to encourage an...

Recent PostsWe have been successful in arranging for a talk by historical author Nicola Tallis, to take place on Friday 29th March 2019 at Fairfield Opportunity College at 7.30 pm. Nicola has agreed to introduce us to her recent...

Recent PostsSteve Hobbs will be giving a talk  “Dilton and Westbury People from the Middle Ages to the 20 Century” on Friday 22nd February 2019 at the Dilton Memorial hall. 7.30 pm. Entrance fee £4 for non members and £2 for members....

Recent PostsThe History Society were given a most entertaining talk by Mike Marshman on Friday 25th November, at Fairfield Opportunity College, titled ” Ale House to Public House”. As some of you may know Mike was employed with Wiltshire...

Recent PostsMike Marshman will be giving the November talk. Covering: Public House names and their meanings, Brewing and Gin and Beer Acts covering the period Middle Ages up to 17th Century. Mike Marshman was with the Wiltshire Library...

Recent PostsOur team can be seen looking for finds which might support the existence of Neolithic or Iron Age activity in Dilton Marsh.No great finds to report apart from some small pottery segments which could relate to the neolithic...

Recent PostsThe History Society members and their accompanying four legged friends can be seen searching for signs of early development in Stormore, Dilton Marsh.No great finds to date but this type of activity does keep members in...

Recent PostsThe “A Village at War “ CDs are now available from Graham Noble and are free of charge. This of course will be on a first come first served basis, I am available on g.rc.noble at btintetrnet.com and phone contact is 01373...

Recent PostsWe are now back “Digging Holes” or should we say “Test Pits” in the pursuit of future evidence relating to the historical development of Dilton Marsh.Our most recent dig took place on Saturday 22nd September in Stormore,...

Recent PostsDr Nick Hall “Chair of Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum”, has agreed to give a talk on 12th October. This will be at Fairfield College, at 7.30 pm. Costs will be as usual. £4 for non members and £2 for members. P.S....

Recent PostsWe have now booked Memorial Hall on Friday 7th September at 7.30 pm, for talk on Weaving Industry in Westbury and Dilton to be given by David Birks, who is a Learning and Outreach Officer with Trowbridge Council.

Recent PostsWe are searching for the “Pelham Arms” public house in Old Dilton. I’m talking with someone this afternoon who may possibly have information regarding the “The Pelham Arms” public house in Old Dilton. We have asked Historical...

Recent PostsA very big thanks to the “Heritage Lottery Fund“ for their support of “Digging for Dilton” including the creation of this website.Their support helped promote and encourage a community spirit which has brought many people...

Recent PostsI went on the dig at the village primary and what a lovely day we had. each class came out in turn, including reception and they were very enthusiastic helping and asking lots of questions.And everyone was very excited because...

Recent PostsBetween March and August this year we were welcomed to dig at sixteen varied locations within the Dilton Marsh area. We managed a total of twenty one test pits. Those owners who were unable to dig were all very interested and...

Recent PostsA fascinating and informative time spent on the “Digging for Dilton “ project. Archaeologists always on hand to explain our finds. Mine were usually 21st C ; others had more luck!

Recent PostsWe both wanted to say how much we enjoyed being part of the Dig for Dilton archaeology project this summer. Being from outside the village it has been a real pleasure for us to see the true extent of the community involvement...

Recent PostsWith much development in towns and villages it isn’t always easy to understand our heritage. The “Digging for Dilton” project gave those who took part an idea of the social history of previous generations, by effectively...

Recent PostsIt was a sunny April day for one of the first test pit to be dug. Nothing exceptional was uncovered just more of the17C onwards whenever I dig my garden, but a very enjoyable day with lots of helpers and visitors.

Recent PostsI enjoyed the anticipation of what we might find, whether we found anything or not. It was great fun.  

Recent PostsArchaeology has been an interest of mine since I was a child and I feel very privileged to be a part of Dilton Marsh’s History Society.The finds from our archaeological digs help us to fit new pieces into the Dilton Marsh...