Chippenham facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chippenham
St Andrew's Church, Chippenham
Chippenham
Area	158.42 km2 (61.17 sq mi)
Population	36,548 (2021 Census)
• Density	231/km2 (600/sq mi)
OS grid reference	ST919733
• London	86 mi (138 km)
Civil parish	Chippenham
Unitary authority	Wiltshire
Ceremonial county	Wiltshire
Region	South West
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	CHIPPENHAM
Postcode district	SN14, SN15
Dialling code	01249
EU Parliament	South West England
UK Parliament	Chippenham
List of places UK England Wiltshire 51°27′32″N 2°06′58″W / 51.459°N 2.116°W / 51.459; -2.116

Chippenham is a lively market town in the northwest of Wiltshire, England. It's about 13 miles northeast of Bath and 86 miles west of London. The town is also close to the beautiful Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Chippenham started as a settlement where the River Avon could be crossed. People believe it existed even before Roman times. It was once a royal village and possibly a hunting lodge for Alfred the Great. The town grew a lot when the Great Western Railway arrived in 1841. In 2021, its population was 36,548.

History of Chippenham

What's in a Name?

The name Chippenham comes from old English words. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle called it Cippanhamme. This might mean "Cippa's hamm," which was an enclosed meadow by a river. Another idea is that it comes from ceap, an Anglo-Saxon word meaning 'market'. Over time, the name has been spelled in many ways, like Cepen, Cheppeham, and Chipnam.

Early Days

People have lived in the Chippenham area since before Roman times. You can still see signs of Romano-British settlements, for example, behind the old magistrates' court. Recent building projects have also found more evidence of these early communities.

Anglo-Saxon Times

The town itself was likely founded by Anglo-Saxons around AD 600. In AD 853, Æthelswith, who was Alfred the Great's sister, married King Burgred of Mercia in Chippenham. Alfred was only four years old then, and the wedding happened where St Andrew's church now stands. Historians believe Chippenham was a royal village for Alfred. It was probably also a hunting lodge because it was near royal forests. Alfred's daughter also got married here.

In 878, Danish Vikings attacked and took over Chippenham. But later that year, Alfred bravely defeated the Danes at the Battle of Ethandun. The Danish forces then surrendered to Alfred in Chippenham, which led to the creation of the Danelaw.

By 1042, records mention a church in the royal area of Chippenham. The 1086 Domesday Book listed Chippenham as Chepeham, with a good number of people living there.

Medieval Growth

During Norman times, the royal lands were split into different areas called manors. The town grew into new streets like Langstret (now the Causeway) from 1245. From 1406, it expanded into Le Newstret (now New Road). Throughout this time, Chippenham kept its busy market in the town centre.

The A4 road, which goes through Chippenham, follows parts of a medieval road from the 1300s. This road connected London to Bristol and was important for the English cloth trade. Bristol cloth merchants helped pay for its upkeep.

Chippenham had representatives in the Parliament of England starting in 1295. In 1554, Queen Mary gave the town a special Charter of Incorporation.

The Yelde Hall, a market hall, was built around 1450. The Shambles and Buttercross were built after 1570. A fire in 1856 destroyed the Shambles, but the Yelde Hall survived.

Later Centuries

The wool industry became very important in the 1500s, helped by the river. However, the town faced tough times with outbreaks of the plague in 1611 and 1636. Problems in the wool industry and a drop in corn production also caused hardship. During the English Civil War, selling cloth to London was forbidden, which hurt trade even more.

In 1747, a scandal involving two members of parliament from Chippenham led to the fall of Sir Robert Walpole's government.

19th and 20th Centuries

A branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal reached Chippenham in 1798. It ended at a wharf near the marketplace, where coal was a main product. Today, the bus station is on the site of the old wharf.

The Great Western Railway arrived in Chippenham in 1841. This brought many new businesses to the town. More housing was needed, leading to the town expanding north of the railway line. This growth also supported other industries.

The railway helped agricultural businesses grow. In the mid-1800s, Chippenham was a big centre for dairy and ham products. This led to companies like Nestlé and Matteson's having factories in the town centre. Railway engineering also grew in Chippenham. Roland Brotherhood started in 1842. Later, Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company Ltd took over the site. Today, the signalling part of the business is owned by Siemens Rail Automation Group. The brakes business is now Knorr-Bremse, located in nearby Melksham.

On April 17, 1960, American singers Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent were in a car crash in Chippenham. Eddie Cochran sadly passed away from his injuries. A memorial plaque is now near the crash site.

In 1998, two old bombs from World War II were found in a field behind Hardens Mead. This happened while preparing to build Abbeyfield School. About 1,100 people living in the east of Chippenham had to leave their homes for two nights. The army then safely set off the bombs in a controlled explosion.

Geography

Where is Chippenham?

Chippenham is in western Wiltshire, located where the River Avon can be crossed easily. It sits between the Marlborough Downs to the east and the southern Cotswolds to the north and west. Salisbury Plain is to the southeast.

The town is surrounded by quiet countryside. There are also several woodlands in or very close to the town, like Bird's Marsh, Vincients Wood, and Briars Wood.

Town Areas

Chippenham has several areas, often called suburbs. These include Cepen Park (North & South), Hardenhuish, Monkton, Lowden, Pewsham, Primrose Hill, and others. These areas roughly match the local government wards.

Important Landmarks

The original Buttercross was a stone structure built around 1570. It stood in the middle of the Shambles. It was used for selling meat and dairy products. In 1889, it was moved to a garden in Castle Combe. The Chippenham Civic Society brought it back in 1995. Now, it's a main feature in the town centre's pedestrian area. A market is held there every Friday and Saturday.

The Yelde Hall is one of the few medieval timber-framed buildings left in Chippenham. It was originally a market hall with different sections inside. The hall and its upstairs meeting room were used for various meetings and trials by the town's leaders. The space under the Council Chamber was even used as the town jail.

Climate

Population Growth

In 2021, the population of Chippenham civil parish was 36,548.

Chippenham's population grew quickly in the 1990s. It went from 25,376 in 1991 to 28,065 in 2001, an 11% increase. This was due to new housing developments. Large housing areas like Cepen Park to the west and Pewsham to the east were built.

How Chippenham is Governed

The offices of the North Wiltshire District Council were in Chippenham until 2009. Then, a single council was created for all of Wiltshire. The offices in Monkton Park are now used by Wiltshire Council, whose main office is in Trowbridge.

The role of Town Mayor started in 1835. Before that, a bailiff and burgesses governed Chippenham. The Mayor is chosen every year by the Town Council in May. The Mayor is the town's main representative. They visit local groups and charities, promoting goodwill and trade. The Mayor also chooses a charity to support for their year in office. They lead Town Council meetings and are president of various local groups.

In 1812, Sir Robert Peel, who created the modern police force, was one of the two Members of Parliament (MPs) for Chippenham.

The Chippenham Town Hall is where the Chippenham Town Council is based. This council is responsible for some public services in the town.

Economy

Chippenham used to be mainly a market town. Now, many residents travel to work in places like Bath, Bristol, Swindon, and even London.

Several big businesses have been in the area. The largest former employer was Westinghouse Rail Systems, now owned by Siemens. Their factory is next to the railway station. This company works on railway signalling for Network Rail and other railway operators worldwide. Other companies also use parts of the old Westinghouse site. Bumpers Farm is the biggest industrial area in town.

In 2005, Wincanton PLC, a large logistics company, moved its main office to Methuen Park in west Chippenham. They employ about 350 people there.

Market Town

Chippenham is still a market town. Street markets happen every Friday and Saturday around Market Place and along the High Street. A Farmers' Market is also held every two weeks, selling fresh, local food. The old Cattle Market, which closed in 2004, is now being redeveloped into a large eco-housing project.

Shopping

Chippenham's main shopping area is around the High Street and Market Place. The High Street is closed to traffic during the day. There are two shopping centres: the indoor Emery Gate Shopping Centre and the outdoor Borough Parade. Most shops on the High Street are big chain stores, but you can find some independent shops along The Causeway and in the Upper Market Place.

Retail parks like Hathaway Retail Park and Bath Road Retail Park are on the edge of town. They have larger supermarkets and fast-food restaurants.

Transport

Railway Connections

Chippenham railway station is a stop on the Great Western Main Line. Great Western Railway runs inter-city trains to London Paddington, Swindon, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central, and other places. There's also a route connecting Swindon with Westbury via Melksham. The old Chippenham and Calne line is now a cycle path.

The station is famous for its railway arches and other buildings designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. These were part of the historic Great Western Railway development.

Roads Around Town

Chippenham is about 4 miles south of the M4 motorway. This motorway connects the town to Bristol, Swindon, South Wales, and London. The A4 (an old coach road), A420, and B4069 provide more road links to Bath, Bristol, and Oxford.

The A350 bypasses the town to the west. It links the M4 motorway with Chippenham and towns to the south like Melksham and Frome. The A4 national route crosses the southern part of the town, connecting Chippenham to nearby Corsham and Calne. A new link road bypassing the Birds Marsh area opened in 2022.

Bus Services

Bus services in Chippenham are run by Stagecoach West, Faresaver, and Coachstyle. Key routes include buses to Swindon, Bath, Trowbridge, and Malmesbury. National Express coach services also stop in Chippenham. You can travel to places like Bath, Bristol, Heathrow Airport, and London.

Tourism

Around Chippenham, you'll find many charming stone villages. These include Lacock (owned by the National Trust), Biddestone, and Castle Combe. Famous houses and attractions like Longleat, Bowood House, Lacock Abbey, and Corsham Court are also easy to reach. The Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre in the town centre tells the story of this market town.

Twinned Towns

Chippenham is twinned with two towns: La Flèche in France and Friedberg in Germany.

La Flèche is in France, about 42 miles from Le Mans. Its military school, the Prytanée national militaire, dates back to King Henry IV of France.

Friedberg is a walled town in Germany, about 64 miles from Munich. It was founded in 1264. Friedberg hosts many sports and cultural events, like a 17th-century Street Festival.

Culture

The Chippenham Folk Festival happens every year, usually around the Whitsuntide weekend.

There's also an annual festival to remember American rock and roll singer Eddie Cochran. He died on April 17, 1960, after a car accident in Chippenham while on tour.

The Town Museum was first in the Yelde Hall from 1963. By 2000, it needed more space and moved to the old Magistrates' Court in the Market Place. The museum shows the town's history from ancient times until today. By 2005, over 90,000 people had visited the museum.

Local Media

Local news and TV shows come from BBC West and ITV West Country. TV signals are received from the Mendip TV transmitter.

Chippenham has local radio stations like BBC Radio Wiltshire, Heart West, and Greatest Hits Radio South West. Chippenham Hospital Radio broadcasts from the local hospital.

The local newspapers are the Gazette and Herald and Wiltshire Times.

Sport and Leisure

Chippenham has many sports clubs and places for fun activities. The Olympiad Leisure Centre opened in 1989. It has different swimming pools and a full gym. It also hosts events like the popular annual CAMRA Beer Festival.

Chippenham Sports Club is a members' club on the A420 Bristol Road. It has a pavilion overlooking six floodlit tennis courts and a cricket field. The all-weather hockey pitches are used by both ladies' and men's teams. The Dome, an indoor sports dome, offers netball, cricket nets, and a five-a-side football league. Chippenham Town Bowls Club is also on the same site.

The town is home to Chippenham Town F.C., a football club formed in 1873. They played in the FA Vase 2000 final. They currently play in the National League South.

Chippenham Rugby Club is on the western edge of town. This club has an all-weather rugby pitch and two grass rugby pitches, all with floodlights. There are also grass areas for mini rugby and cricket nets.

Chippenham Golf Club, started in 1896, is on the A350 north of town.

Chippenham has a small cinema, the Reel Astoria, on the A420 Marshfield Road.

The Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 403 goes through the town.

Education

History of Schools

In 1661, Richard Scott left money in his will for his house to be used as a school. In 1664, William Woodruffe gave money to teach ten poor boys. The school reopened in 1713, teaching 24 boys.

From 1875, a private grammar school existed in Chippenham. In 1891, new laws helped fund evening classes in science and arts. These classes became the start of a national system for technical education. Subjects included Shorthand, Chemistry, Physics, and Carpentry.

In 1893, Edward Newall Tuck was hired to organize technical classes in Chippenham. Classes were held in rented buildings and in nearby villages. Teachers from elementary schools attended art classes. Mr. Tuck also gave talks on Wiltshire history. In 1894, students had to be at least 11 years old to join classes. Fees were low, and the school was supported by fees and government grants.

In 1896, the Chippenham and District County School was established, with Mr. Tuck as the first headmaster. The school started with 39 boys aged 11 to 16. The subjects included Latin, French, science, history, and geometry. In 1898, a girls' school was also opened.

On September 24, 1900, the Chippenham District County School opened in Cocklebury Lane. This site is now part of Wiltshire College. The school cost £6,000 to build. All day classes moved here, and student numbers grew quickly. By 1907, the school had 128 students.

In 1922, the school received more grants. By 1929, there were 262 students. The junior department became a Kindergarten and Preparatory Form for children aged 8 to 10.

By the early 1930s, the buildings were too small. In 1938, the Secondary Grammar School moved to new buildings in Hardenhuish Park. The old Manor House became the headmaster's room, library, and some classrooms. The new school covered 40 acres. In 1939, the Preparatory department closed.

By 1940, there were 414 students. The Cocklebury Road site became Chippenham County Secondary Modern School. This school took children aged 11 and over from primary schools in Chippenham and the surrounding area.

Modern Schools

The closest university is the University of Bath, about 12 miles west of Chippenham.

Colleges

Wiltshire College & University Centre has a campus on Cocklebury Road. It was built in 2015.

Secondary Schools

Three secondary schools serve students from age 11 through sixth form:

• Hardenhuish School, Hardenhuish Lane, became an Academy in 2010. It was originally a girls' secondary modern school.
• Sheldon School, Hardenhuish Lane, became an Academy in 2012. It started as a boys' secondary modern school and then became a comprehensive school.
• Abbeyfield School, Stanley Lane, opened in 2001.

Primary Schools

There are ten primary schools in the town:

• Charter Primary School, Wood Lane
• Frogwell Primary School, Derriads Lane
• Ivy Lane School, Ivy Lane
• Kings Lodge School, Lodge Road
• St Mary's Primary School, Rowden Hill
• Monkton Park Primary School, Sadlers Mead
• St Paul's Primary School, The Oaks
• St Peter's Academy, Lords Mead
• Redland Primary School, Brook Street
• Queen's Crescent School, Queens Crescent

Special Schools

• Silverwood, Malmesbury Road
• Poplar College, Cocklebury Road

Religion

In the 2011 census, 59.6% of people in Chippenham parish said they were Christian. 31.1% said they had no religion, and 7.3% did not state a religion.

Church of England

• St Andrew's parish church is thought to be built on the site of an Anglo-Saxon church. Many parts of the current church are Norman. The spire was finished in 1633.
• St. Nicholas church was built in 1779, replacing an older medieval church.
• St. Paul's church was built in 1854–55 by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
• St. Peter's original building started in 1885. The current church was built in 1968 and has a modern, six-sided design.

Roman Catholic

• Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church was first built in 1855. The new church was built in 1935 on Station Hill.

Other Churches

• Central Methodist church was built in 1909.
• Christian Fellowship – Elim Pentecostal Church
• Emmanuel Evangelical Church started in 2005.
• Ladyfield Evangelical Church
• Oasis Church started in 2004 and focuses on younger worshippers.
• The Old Baptist Chapel opened in 1804.
• The Salvation Army Citadel opened in 1903.
• Sheldon Road Methodist Church was built in 1901.
• Station Hill Baptist Chapel was built in 1855.
• Tabernacle United Reformed Church was built in 1770.

Notable People

Many interesting people have connections to Chippenham:

• Arthur Rostron, captain of the Carpathia, who rescued RMS Titanic survivors.
• Dominic West, a famous actor, director, and musician.
• Gabrielle Aplin, a singer-songwriter who went to Sheldon School.
• Jeremy Corbyn, a former Labour Party leader, grew up nearby.
• Jamie Cullum, a jazz musician, attended Sheldon School.
• Tyrone Mings, a professional footballer for Aston Villa F.C., attended Sheldon School.
• Robert Peel, a former Prime Minister and police reformer, was an MP for Chippenham.
• Henry Fox Talbot, an inventor and pioneer of photography, was also an MP.

Freedom of the Town

The following military units have been given the Freedom of the Town of Chippenham:

• RAF Rudloe Manor: 1992.
• Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment: 1994.
• 9 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps: 2012.
• 1st Battalion The Rifles: 2012.

See also

In Spanish: Chippenham para niños