Heritage enthusiasts got the chance to learn more about a historic site on their doorstep when the town’s heritage society hosted a guided walk round Westbury cemetery.
Participants learnt about the history of the site, tracing the beginning of the cemetery in the 1860s, the acquisition of the land on Bratton Road, and the careful planting of shrubs and trees- some of which still stand today.
Visitors also learnt about important Westbury families such as the Phipps, the Ludlows and the Lavertons, and learnt about the three mausolea. They were also able to look at the cemetery’s war graves.
“We were delighted with the turnout and people really enjoyed the opportunity to look round the cemetery and learn a little more about its history,” said heritage society chair Liz Argent, who led the guided walk.
“Thanks to the town council, visitors were also able to enter the All Saints’ chapel and the Lopes mausoleum. We’ve had some great feedback, and we hope to repeat the walk next year”
The heritage society runs the town’s museum on the first floor of the library in Edward Street. Admission is free and exhibitions feature a wide range of local history from bygone photographs of the town to artefacts illustrating its history.
Find out more at www.westburyheritagesociety.org.uk
