Royal Wootton Bassett, Market town in northern Wiltshire, England
Royal Wootton Bassett is a market town in northern Wiltshire with a central High Street lined with local shops and historic buildings dating back centuries. It sits among rolling hills and meadows, maintaining its character as a traditional market center.
The settlement began as Wodeton in 681 under Malmesbury Abbey's control, later receiving its market charter from Henry III in the 13th century. These two developments shaped its growth as a trading hub for the region.
The Royal prefix came in 2011 to honor the town's dignified role in paying respects to fallen service personnel passing through on their final journeys. This recognition remains central to how locals think about their community and its values.
Weekly markets happen on Wednesdays in the town center, while farmers markets take place on the fourth Saturday of each month. Plan your visit around these market days to experience the local trading culture and fresh goods on offer.
Near the town lies a natural spring that releases gas bubbles through limestone, creating a geological oddity seldom seen elsewhere. This underground activity reveals the unusual geology beneath the surrounding landscape.
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