Hi Everyone

I am looking for some help with regards to the history of the Horsefair in Malmesbury. Since we moved here 5 yrs ago I have been trying to find out more about the square and its previous use/history...was it ever actually a place for a horse fair?

I have been unable to locate any information on the internet other than limited recounts of people who lived in the square over the last 50 yrs or so and I am looking for something a liitle more historic.
I would love to know more about the houses and whether they really do date back to the 1700's?

If anyone has any knowledge of where or how I can find out more please reply to this post.

Many thanks

Hi my understanding is that it was a horse market in west port meaning west market which was outside the town walls.

The museum in the town hall is a great place to start, also people such as Charles Vernon are a mine of good historical information as is our horse fair dwelling mayor, Patrick Goldstone.

The steep hill off foundry road to gloucester road was, apparently, to allow for easy cleaning of the deposits post market!

I think some of the houses are older than 1700 but open to correction

Charles has written a good book about the towns history which is for sale int he high street or in the local library

Kind regards

Andrew Carnegie

Thanks for the info and giving me some ideas of where to start, I may well visit the museum as I have not been there for years.

Kind Regards
Becky

Hi Becky have you been to the Museum yet and can we help you. Have a look at our website: www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk . I am sure also we can look through the database and find some interesting bits for you.

Best wishes,

Miranda