Celebrating the rich history and life around canals, Chippenham Folk Festival presents a morning exploring canals. Join Dave Maloney, volunteer from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, sharing wonderful stories of our local canal. This is a tale of history, community, and the long-term project to restore the local canal. Storyteller and narrowboat dweller Ian […]
Dearest Gentle Reader… You are cordially invited to Harriet Willes' Ball. Miss Harriet Willes invites you to attend an afternoon of her favourite dances, as documented in her own hand. Event part of Chippenham Folk Festival, in partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. No experience necessary. All dances taught on the day. Dress up […]
Join us this May Half Term for free creative activities inspired by Local History Month! Our creative activities can also be enjoyed in a quieter session before the museum opens, for those who may find the busy nature of our drop-in sessions overwhelming and prefer a calm, relaxed environment. These sessions run from 9am to […]
Join us this May Half Term for free creative activities inspired by Local History Month! Our creative activities can also be enjoyed in a quieter session before the museum opens, for those who may find the busy nature of our drop-in sessions overwhelming and prefer a calm, relaxed environment. These sessions run from 9am to […]
Uncover the secrets of your town! Join us at the Town Hall for a special day of discovery, brought to you as part of the ‘Chippenham - Our History’ project, in partnership with the Chippenham Civic Society & the VCH Wiltshire. When: Saturday 30 May | 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Where: Chippenham Town Hall […]
Chippenham Museum presents Our History Day at the Town Hall A Journey from the town’s Prehistory to its Future Plans Uncover the secrets of your town! Join us at the Town Hall for a special day of discovery, brought to you as part of the ‘Chippenham – Our History’ project, in partnership with the Chippenham […]
In 1563 a witchcraft act was passed by the English parliament. It formed the legal basis for all English witchcraft trials. In early 1564, a baby, William Bayntun died in north Wiltshire, allegedly murdered by witchcraft. Three legal cases followed, and three women were implicated in the murder plot — a local widow, Agnes Mylles […]
Do you like crafts and getting creative? Are you interested in history? If yes, then these are the sessions for you! This is an opportunity for you to explore some of the amazing documents in the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre’s archive collections in a friendly and informal setting. Embrace the opportunity to handle original […]
An interactive exploration of local history together, where questions are encouraged and knowledge is shared, this meeting of History Portal Club will take a look at Chippenham Union Workhouse through the ages. Together, we’ll do a deep dive into the history of the local union workhouse (now the hospital) - through the eyes of the […]
Our free guided walks are back for 2026! Join a member of the Chippenham Museum team on select Thursdays and Saturdays from May to September for a 40-minute journey through the town’s history, from King Alfred and the Saxons to the present day. Perfect for residents, visitors and groups! Meet at The Buttercross, Market Place. […]
Join us at Chippenham Museum for a special illustrated talk with local historian Mike Stone. Discover the fascinating evolution of the Chippenham Carnival, from its origins in 1889 as a hospital fundraiser and the legendary ‘motor-khana’ displays in John Coles Park, to the colourful modern-day parades through the town. With the new Carnival returning on […]
Our free guided walks are back for 2026! Join a member of the Chippenham Museum team on select Thursdays and Saturdays from May to September for a 40-minute journey through the town’s history, from King Alfred and the Saxons to the present day. Perfect for residents, visitors and groups! Meet at The Buttercross, Market Place. […]
