History centre open day attracts 600 (From This Is Wiltshire)

History centre open day attracts 600

8:00am Thursday 2nd October 2008

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MORE than 600 people descended on the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre on Saturday for its second open day.

The centre, in Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, was opened just under a year ago by Wiltshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council and is home to a vast collection of the county's historical records.

TV presenter and archaeologist Julian Richards was on hand to talk to visitors, who also got the chance to handle 250,000-year-old axes, view Roman artefacts being conserved and take part in a treasure hunt.

History centre staff dressed as past Wiltshire heroes, including Sir Christopher Wren, as they took people on tours of the building.

History centre manager Tom Craig said: "We are delighted so many people took this opportunity to visit the centre and find out more about how we can help people research their family tree and learn more about local history."

People can find out more about the history centre by calling 01249 705500 or visiting www.wiltshire.gov.uk/history-centre

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