Royal Wootton Bassett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Wootton Bassett |
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 Royal Wootton Bassett's former Town Hall, now the local museum |
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 Royal Wootton Bassett
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| Population | 13,570 (2021 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SU067825 |
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| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode district | SN4 |
| Dialling code | 01793 |
| Police | Wiltshire |
| Fire | Wiltshire |
| Ambulance | Great Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament |
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Royal Wootton Bassett is a lively market town in Wiltshire, England. It's home to about 13,570 people, based on the 2021 Census. You can find it about 6 miles (10 km) west of Swindon and 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Calne.
The town earned its "Royal" title in March 2011 from Elizabeth II. This special honor was given because of the town's important role in showing respect during military funeral processions. These processions, called repatriations, passed through the town in the early 21st century. Royal Wootton Bassett was the first town to receive this kind of royal honor since 1909. The title was officially given in a ceremony on October 16, 2011.
Contents
- Discovering Royal Wootton Bassett's Past
- Places of Worship
- Understanding the Town's Layout
- How Royal Wootton Bassett is Governed
- Population Growth
- Schools and Learning
- Local Businesses and Economy
- Honoring Fallen Heroes: Repatriations
- The Town's Official Coat of Arms
- Getting Around Royal Wootton Bassett
- Culture and Fun in Town
- Freedom of the Town
- See also
Discovering Royal Wootton Bassett's Past
Early Days of Wodeton
The recorded history of Wootton Bassett goes back to AD 681. Back then, it was called Wodeton, which means "Settlement in the wood." This name came from its location within the ancient Bradon Forest.
Archaeological finds suggest that the first "Wodeton" was near what is now Dunnington Road. In 1015, the town was attacked by Danish invaders. After this, the people who survived decided to move uphill to where the High Street is today.
Wootton Bassett in the Domesday Book
Wootton Bassett is even mentioned in the famous Domesday Book from 1086. This book was a huge survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror. It noted that Miles Crispin owned land here, which included "land for 12 ploughs," a mill, and lots of meadow, pasture, and woodland. The town was valued at nine pounds back then.
How the Town Became "Royal"
In the early 2000s, something special happened. The town began to pay tribute to fallen soldiers whose bodies were being brought back home. These military funeral processions passed through Wootton Bassett, and the town's quiet acts of respect soon gained a lot of attention.
On March 16, 2011, the Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced that the Queen would give the town the title "Royal." This was a way to show the nation's thanks and admiration for the town's actions. The official change happened on October 16, 2011. The Princess Royal visited the town to present the official documents. Royal Wootton Bassett is only the fourth "Royal town" in England and the first to get this status in over 100 years.
Places of Worship
St Bartholomew and All Saints Church
The main Church of England parish church is called St Bartholomew and All Saints. It stands on the north side of the High Street. The church was first built in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 15th century. It was later greatly restored between 1869 and 1870. This beautiful church is considered a Grade II* listed building, meaning it's very important historically.
The church has a unique design with a wide main area (nave) and a tall tower. You can still see some original 15th-century parts, like the low-pitched roofs and the oak pulpit. The church also has eight bells, some dating back to 1633!
Other Churches in Town
- A Congregational church was built in Wood Street in 1825. It's still used today as a United Reformed Church.
- Primitive Methodists built their church in 1838 on the High Street. It's still active, and in 1965, the town's Wesleyan Methodists joined them.
- The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart was built on the north side of the High Street in 1993.
Understanding the Town's Layout
Royal Wootton Bassett has several areas, including Noremarsh, Coped Hall, Woodshaw, and Vastern. There's also a special natural area called the Wootton Bassett Mud Spring. It's an 8,000 square meter (86,000 sq ft) geological Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognized for its unique features since 1997.
How Royal Wootton Bassett is Governed
The town has its own Town Council with 16 members. These members are chosen by voters in three different areas of the town. The councillors then pick one of their own to be the mayor for a year.
Royal Wootton Bassett is also part of Wiltshire Council. This is a larger council that handles services for the whole area. For national elections, the town is part of the Chippenham constituency. The town is also twinned with Blain in France, which means they have a special friendly connection.
Population Growth
In 2001, the town's population was 11,043. This showed that the number of people living there had tripled in 50 years! Since the M4 motorway opened in the 1970s, many people have moved to Royal Wootton Bassett. They often travel to nearby cities like Swindon, Chippenham, Bath, and Bristol for work. The town also has many Royal Air Force families because of its closeness to MoD Lyneham, which was once a large RAF base.
Schools and Learning
Royal Wootton Bassett has a secondary school called Royal Wootton Bassett Academy. There are also four primary schools: St Bartholomew's Primary Academy, Longleaze Primary School, Noremarsh Junior School, and Wootton Bassett Infants' School.
For those interested in military training, the town is also home to groups like the Army Cadet Force and the Sea Cadets.
Local Businesses and Economy
Royal Wootton Bassett has always been a market town, which means it has a history of trades related to farming.
In the past, a large dairy factory operated in the town. It was a major producer of yoghurts. However, the factory closed in 2003 and was later turned into a housing estate called Beaufort Park. Today, the Disclosure and Barring Service has an office in the town, providing jobs for local people.
Honoring Fallen Heroes: Repatriations
From April 2007, the bodies of British servicemen and women who died in Iraq and Afghanistan were brought back to RAF Lyneham, a nearby air base. From there, they were transported to a hospital in Oxford. This journey took them right through Wootton Bassett.
Local members of The Royal British Legion, a group that supports veterans, noticed these processions. They decided to stand along the route to show their respect. Soon, many other people joined them, sometimes over 1,000 people would gather. This became a powerful and moving tradition. Even when RAF Lyneham closed in 2011, the town's actions were so meaningful that the Queen granted them the "Royal" title.
Special Tributes to the Town
Many people and groups have honored Royal Wootton Bassett for its support:
- In October 2008, an Armed Forces parade was held in the town.
- In January 2010, The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and his wife The Duchess of Cornwall visited to lay a wreath and meet local people.
- Prince William gave the town an award in 2009 for its support of the Armed Forces.
- The Royal British Legion also gave a special award to the town in May 2009.
- In 2010, a large charity motorcycle parade raised £100,000 for Afghan Heroes, a military charity.
- In 2011, the community even re-recorded a famous song to raise money for military charities, calling the project "Wootton Bassett Rocks."
The Town's Official Coat of Arms
Royal Wootton Bassett has its own official coat of arms. This special design was granted in 2011, just before the town officially became "Royal." The design includes a golden lion, which is a symbol of royal favor. It shows how much the town's actions in honoring fallen soldiers were appreciated.
Getting Around Royal Wootton Bassett
Road Travel
The main road through the town is the A3102. This road connects Royal Wootton Bassett to Swindon in the east and Melksham in the southwest. Another road, the B4042, goes to Malmesbury in the west. The town is also very close to Junction 16 of the M4 motorway, which makes it easy to travel to London and South Wales.
Train Connections
Royal Wootton Bassett doesn't have its own train station anymore. However, it's an important spot on the railway map because it's where the South Wales Main Line splits off from the Great Western Main Line.
The town used to have two stations, but they both closed. The last one, Wootton Bassett Junction, closed in 1965. People who want to travel by train usually go to Swindon or Chippenham. Buses connect Royal Wootton Bassett to these towns, making it easier to catch a train.
Canal History
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The path of the old Wilts & Berks Canal runs near Royal Wootton Bassett. This canal was completed in 1810, connecting different towns. The last canal boat traffic to Wootton Bassett was in 1906, and the canal was officially closed in 1914. Today, a group called the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is working to restore this historic waterway.
Culture and Fun in Town
Arts and Sports
The town hosts an annual Arts Festival, celebrating music, drama, and dance. For sports lovers, Royal Wootton Bassett has many clubs:
- Wootton Bassett Town F.C. for football.
- Wootton Bassett Hockey Club.
- Wootton Bassett Otters Swimming Club.
- Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Football Club.
- Wootton Bassett Bowls Club.
In 2015, many of these sports clubs moved to a new, large sports ground called the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground. It's run by volunteers and offers facilities for cricket, running, tennis, football, and petanque.
Local Media
You can get local news and TV from BBC West and ITV West Country. For radio, there's BBC Radio Wiltshire, Heart West, Greatest Hits Radio South West, and Swindon 105.5. The local newspaper is called the Gazette and Herald.
Wootton Bassett Museum
The Wootton Bassett Museum is located in the town's former town hall. This interesting building was built in the late 1600s and was a gift from the Hyde family.
War Memorial
Royal Wootton Bassett has a special War Memorial. It was unveiled in 2004 after a five-year effort to raise money and awareness. The memorial is a simple stone base topped with a bronze sculpture of hands holding up a globe. The design was chosen by public vote and created by a local artist. It stands as a tribute to those who served.
Freedom of the Town
Some special people and military groups have been given the "Freedom of the Town" of Royal Wootton Bassett. This is a great honor!
- Johnathan Dudley Bourne, a former Town Clerk, received this honor on July 29, 2021.
See also
In Spanish: Royal Wootton Bassett para niños
