Wiltshire

Wiltshire
Edmund Shaw · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Wiltshire
Area	3,485 km²
Population	498,064
AdminHQ	Trowbridge

Wiltshire is a county located in the southwest of England, bordering Dorset to the southwest, Hampshire to the southeast, Gloucestershire to the north, Oxfordshire to the northeast, and Berkshire to the east. The county is home to several notable cities, including Salisbury, Swindon, and Chippenham, which are connected by major roads such as the M4 motorway and the A4 road. Wiltshire is also close to the Cotswolds, an area known for its picturesque villages and historic market towns like Lacock and Castle Combe. The county is served by several railway lines, including the Great Western Railway and the Wessex Main Line, which connect it to major cities like London and Bristol.

Geography

Wiltshire's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and plains, with the Marlborough Downs and the Salisbury Plain being notable features. The county is drained by several rivers, including the River Avon, the River Thames, and the River Wylye, which flow through towns like Warminster and Melksham. The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers a significant part of the county, and is home to historic sites like Avebury and Silbury Hill. Wiltshire is also close to the New Forest National Park and the South Downs National Park, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities like hiking and cycling in the Cotswold Way and the Ridgeway National Trail.

History

Wiltshire has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Mesolithic era. The county is home to numerous ancient monuments, including Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Avebury stone circle, which are both managed by the National Trust. Wiltshire was an important center during the Roman Britain period, with the city of Aquae Sulis (now Bath, Somerset) being a major urban center. The county was also a key location during the English Civil War, with battles like the Battle of Roundway Down and the Battle of Langport taking place in the area. Wiltshire is also associated with notable historical figures like Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who built the Great Western Railway, and Alexander Keiller, who excavated Avebury.

Economy

Wiltshire's economy is diverse, with major industries including manufacturing, technology, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including Honda, BMW, and Intel, which have facilities in towns like Swindon and Chippenham. Wiltshire is also a popular destination for tourists, with attractions like Longleat Safari Park, Stourhead, and Lacock Abbey drawing visitors from around the world. The county is also known for its agricultural production, with farms in the area producing crops like wheat, barley, and oats, and livestock like cattle and sheep. Wiltshire is also close to major ports like Port of Southampton and Port of Bristol, making it an important location for trade and commerce.

Demographics

As of the 2011 United Kingdom census, Wiltshire's population was approximately 683,000 people, with the majority living in urban areas like Swindon and Salisbury. The county has a diverse population, with people from various ethnic backgrounds, including English people, Welsh people, and Irish people. Wiltshire is also home to a number of notable educational institutions, including the University of Bath, Bournemouth University, and Royal Agricultural University, which attract students from around the world. The county has a relatively high standard of living, with a strong economy and good transport links to major cities like London and Bristol.

Culture and landmarks

Wiltshire is known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous historic landmarks and cultural attractions. The county is home to several notable museums, including the Salisbury Museum, the Wiltshire Museum, and the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, which showcase the county's history and art. Wiltshire is also famous for its festivals and events, like the Salisbury International Arts Festival and the Marlborough Jazz Festival, which attract visitors from around the world. The county is also associated with notable cultural figures like William Golding, who was born in Newquay, and Richard Jefferies, who wrote about the county's landscape and people.

Governance

Wiltshire is a unitary authority, with the Wiltshire Council being responsible for local government. The county is represented in Parliament by several members of parliament, including those for the constituencies of North Wiltshire (UK Parliament constituency), South West Wiltshire (UK Parliament constituency), and Swindon North (UK Parliament constituency). Wiltshire is also part of the South West England region, which is represented by the South West England European Parliament constituency in the European Parliament. The county has a number of notable institutions, including the Wiltshire Police, the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Royal United Hospital, which provide essential services to the local community. Category:Counties of England