Town Guide

BRADFORD on Avon is tucked into the western corner of Wiltshire, forming a triangle with Melksham and Trowbridge. Set on the banks of the River Avon, the houses of the town, made from local Cotswold stone, mingle with the 19th century cloth mills.

The town is thought to get its name from the 'broad ford' - the wide expanse of river crossed by the town bridge. A town landmark, the bridge was constructed over over the River Avon more than 400 years ago.

Two of its 13th century arches survive and the 17th chapel was eventually used as a short-term prison. Like Melksham and Trowbridge, Bradford, was founded on the rich cloth making industry of the 18th Century.

The decline of wool and cloth manufacture was compensated for by the growth of the rubber industry. Barton Farm Country Park near Bradford, has an intact medieval farm and a magnificent 14th century tithe barn, within its boundaries.

The tithe barn is one of the largest and best examples of its kind in Britain. Until 1992, Bradford was a centre of industry, producing rubber components for Avon Rubber.

The Saxon Church of St. Laurence dates back to the 11th century and may even have been built on the site of an earlier construction by St Aldhelm in 700 AD. It was discovered in 1871 and is one of the most complete surviving Saxon churches in the country.

Things to do and see

Barton Farm Country Park & Tithe Barn

Westwood Manor

Great Chalfield Manor

Glastonbury Tor

Prior Park landscape garden

Bath Assembly rooms