General
Archaeological
evidence throughout the district signifies human interventions
in the landscape since Neolithic
times. Discoveries from this era are chiefly focused in the
southeast on the upper chalk levels, although marks and
earthworks
are present through much of the rest of the area. Remains
of long and round barrows are widespread throughout the
district,
and Iron Age hill forts can be found above Box, on the chalk
downs to the south east and at Malmesbury
There is significant evidence from the Romano-British era,
the most apparent being the network of Roman Roads forming
a triangle around the fringe of the district, often acting
as the district boundary. Ermin Way runs southeast to north
west on the north eastern edge of the district as it heads
to Cirencester. The Fosse Way runs southwest to northeast
across the western fringes and Sandy Lane runs east to west
along the southern boundary. The presence of this communication
network and the areas close proximity to Bath and Cirencester
encouraged the development of related settlements. There have
been numerous finds across the whole of the district, with
the exception of the Braydon Wood area.
A number of settlements present today relate to the Saxon
era. These include Cricklade, Wootton
Bassett and Chippenham,
the latter being an administration centre. Corsham
in the south east of the district was a royal seat, and royal
possession was retained into Norman times.
The area denoted as Braydon Wood was recorded in the Domesday
survey of 1086 as Royal Forest. It retains part of its ancient
woodland cover as remnants from the more extensive woodland
of the Roman era. Elsewhere across the district, significant
areas of ancient woodland have been retained around Bowood,
part of the previously extensive Chippenham Wood and in the
valleys above Box.
The existence of a more extensive Medieval settlement pattern
in rural areas than at present points to a significant reduction
in the population due to the Black Death and subsequent changes
to less labour intensive agricultural practices.
Much of the area developed through the cloth industry, a
strong cottage industry developing across the area. Poor transport
connections meant the area was late turning to the factory
system. The extension of the Wiltshire and Berkshire canal
and later the construction of the GWR London to Bristol line
allowed the area to develop.
Lyneham's Early Inhabitants:
Lyneham was made up of 4 scattered hamlets and early evidence
suggests that in 1086 the main area of settlement was in the
present Bradenstoke village. At the time of the Domesday Survey
the estate contained enough land for 10 ploughs, and 71 hides
were held in demesne, which was land under feudalism kept
by the lord for his own use and occupation as distinguished
from that granted to tenants. If you would like to know more
click here...
|
