Together, we’ll explore the town's women who weren't exactly respectable in the eyes of society - witches, criminals, herbalists, prostitutes, and those who didn't conform to what a well-behaved person should have done. Who were some of Chippenham's disreputable characters? Where was the first executed witch in England based? What did the herbalist do to […]
In April’s installment of our free art talk series, we will be joined by Andrew Cross and Hugh Hamshaw Thomas. After studying fine art painting at the Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, Andrew Cross worked primarily as an organiser of contemporary art exhibitions and public art projects. More recently he has focused on his own […]
This month a representative from F.W. Jones will give a talk on The Funerals of Chippenham’s History. Frederick William Jones began the business as both a funeral director and cabinetmaker in 1930. Since then, the business has progressed through two successive Jones generations, serving the community of Chippenham throughout those years. The F.W. Jones team […]
In May’s installment of the museum's free art talk series, they will be joined Alma Boyes and Helen Harris. Alma Boyes studied ceramics and sculpture at the Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, and a Masters in Ceramic Design at North Staffordshire Polytechnic. Boyes worked as a sculptor and enlarger at the Morris Singer Foundry, working […]
Wiltshire Women & Music: From the Archives to the Airwaves. Nancy Kerr and Lucy Whitfield in conversation. Lucy Whitfield is a genealogist, historian, and author of the Extraordinary Ordinary Women of Wiltshire book series. Nancy Kerr is Co-Investigator on the AHRC project Music, Heritage, Place, which is unlocking the musical collections within English County records. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join us at the History Centre on Saturday 6th June at 2pm for a fascinating look at the life of John Aubrey. Dr Louise Ryland-Epton will take you on a journey of discovery, including how dragons, witches & murderous clouds connect with 17th century scientific thinking and the Wiltshire-born polymath. Tickets are £10 Reserve your […]
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 […]
PrideFest is BACK for 2026! Join us all weekend long for fun, community, and unity - from punk and acoustic gigs, to a picnic in the park, to a weekend long market, and of course our iconic parade up the high street 🌈✨ Keep an eye out for updates as we regularly announce events, and […]
In June's installment, we will be joined by Natasha Michaels and Carole Pearson. Natasha Michaels studied communication design at Saint Martin's School of Art and at the Royal College of Art where she specialised in printmaking. Her work explores conventions in classical subjects from art history. Celebrating, and at the same time, subverting these images, […]
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 […]
