Leave no stone unturned in Marlborough

Once a place bustling with travellers and their horses, Marlborough sits perfectly in the middle of stunning scenery. The North Wessex Downs area of outstanding beauty is famous for its untouched historic charm and never-ending rolling fields of countryside that surround the high street, making the town perfect for those in need of some fresh country air. The archetypical English market town has an endless amount of history and adventure waiting to be explored.

History: A conqueror, a conjurer and a conflict

Marlborough has been the location for many events in history scattered throughout the timeline of Great Britain, where prominent figures have gravitated towards for its beauty and atmosphere. William the Conqueror made the ancient forest of Savernake a royal hunting ground, used up until the Tudor era, with Henry VIII being the last monarch to officially hunt there.

Even King John had a soft spot for Marlborough, granting it a Royal Charter and living in the castle - so you can walk the same streets as Robin Hood. Marlborough’s connections with royalty continue with time as, in the 1640s, the townspeople sided with Parliament against Charles I in the English Civil War. The evidence of the violent historical past can still be seen in the architecture, especially in St. Mary’s church, which bear the scars of the battle.

Heritage: Stones, stately houses and a single windmill

Looking for a day out? Just a short drive away is the village of Avebury, which is home to the Avebury Stone Circle, part of the same World Heritage Site as Stonehenge and is the perfect place for a stroll. In nearby Crofton, there are 200-year old steam engines still performing their original job. The industrial boats, combined with the unspoiled, rural setting of the River Kennet is a must-see and perfect to spark the curiosity of children. Also nearby, set high above the village of Wilton approximately nine miles south of Marlborough, is Wilton Windmill. The only working Windmill in Wessex still produces plenty of flour and is open to visit at any time. The location has the most breath-taking views of the Downs, perfect for a picnic and some family time. 

If that’s not enough to tire you out, scattered across Marlborough and nearby villages are stately homes, churches, and various walks and nature trails such as Avebury Manor, St. Peter’s Church and West Wood. Not only are these areas filled with culture and heritage, they truly show off the best of how nature and architecture can collaborate so harmoniously.

If you think Marlborough could be the place for you, Renaissance Retirement has a range of homes available at its Fleur-de-Lis development. Contact our team on 01672 340 012 or email [email protected] to book a viewing.