Westbury’s history enjoyed by hundreds

 LOCAL people and visitors got the chance to see behind the scenes of some of the town’s interesting heritage, as part of the national Heritage Open Day event. Westbury was taking part in the event for the first time. 

Almost 100 people took the opportunity to visit Leighton estate for an informative walk and talk, seeing the manor house and gardens. 

Many others visited Westbury Library where staff explained the history of the grade two listed building, which was once the home of millowners such as Abraham Laverton and William Matravers. 

As well as seeing all three floors of the house and getting an insight into how it would have been as a family home, visitors also got the chance to see the grounds which boast a giant holm oak and even an air raid shelter.

A medieval room which once belonged to the ancient manor of Chantry was also on view at solicitors Pinniger Finch, while St Mary’s Church at Old Dilton delighted its visitors with its perfect eighteenth century interior complete with box pews, musicians’ gallery and school room.

The national Heritage Open Days event gives everyone the opportunity to visit places of historic interest that are not usually open to the public.  Westbury’s inaugural event was a joint effort between the town’s heritage society and the town council.

Sally Hendry, chair of e Westbury Heritage Society said, “It was brilliant that so many people were interested in the town’s heritage. We are already thinking about next year’s event which will be far more extensive.”