Our Town

About Melksham

Melksham (/ˈmɛlkʃəm/) is a vibrant market town and civil parish nestled along the River Avon in the county of Wiltshire, England. Ideally located just 4.5 miles from Trowbridge and 6 miles south of Chippenham, it’s a town rich in history and community spirit. As of the 2021 Census, Melksham is home to over 18,000 residents.

A Rich and Layered History

A Journey Through Time: The History of Melksham

Melksham is a town steeped in history, with roots that stretch back thousands of years. From early Iron Age settlements to Roman discoveries, its story is one of continual evolution, shaped by nature, trade, and the people who called it home.

Ancient Origins

Recent archaeological finds in 2021 uncovered Iron Age pottery and Roman-era artifacts, confirming what many had long believed — that Melksham has been a place of settlement for over two millennia. Its location near a strategic crossing on the River Avon made it an ideal spot for early communities.

A Name Rooted in the Land

The name “Melksham” is believed to come from the Old English words “meolc” (milk) and “ham” (village or homestead), reflecting its agricultural heritage and long-standing connection to farming and rural life.

Medieval Melksham

In the Middle Ages, the town lay within a royal forest, offering hunting grounds and timber resources. In 1268, King Henry III granted the area to Amesbury Abbey, linking Melksham to the powerful religious institutions of the time.

Noble Ties and Estate Legacies

Over the centuries, Melksham passed through the hands of noble families, including the Brounckers and Longs, influential landowners who shaped the town’s development. One of the most notable estates, Place House, once stood prominently near the town centre — a reminder of Melksham’s historic status and social heritage.

Melksham Spa & Industry

The Spa – A Glimpse into Melksham’s Georgian Ambitions

At the southern edge of Melksham lies The Spa, a peaceful and picturesque area with a fascinating past. Its story begins in 1815, when a group of prominent local gentlemen including members of the Methuen and Long families, who had prospered in the textile industry set out to transform Melksham into a fashionable spa destination.

After unsuccessful attempts to find coal revealed two natural springs, the Melksham Spa Company was formed with great optimism. Inspired by the success of nearby Bath, they built six elegant, three-storey semi-detached lodging houses in a graceful crescent, along with a pump room and private hot and cold baths. These buildings still stand today, offering a unique architectural reminder of the town’s Georgian aspirations.

Although a planned second crescent was never completed, and the spa ultimately didn’t achieve the hoped-for success — overshadowed by the enduring popularity of Bath’s waters the project left a lasting mark on the town. The surrounding area became known simply as The Spa, and it remains part of the civil parish of Melksham Without.

At the same time, efforts were made to enhance the town itself. A parliamentary Act was secured to improve Melksham’s streets paving footways, improving lighting, and making the town cleaner and safer for residents and visitors alike.

Today, The Spa is a cherished part of Melksham’s heritage a quiet residential area with a story rooted in ambition, community spirit, and the hope of creating something extraordinary.

Architecture & Landmarks

Discover Melksham’s Historic Architecture & Landmarks

Melksham is a town rich in heritage, where centuries of history are etched into its buildings and streets. From medieval churches to elegant Georgian homes, these landmarks tell the story of Melksham’s past and its evolving community. Here are just a few highlights that showcase the town’s architectural charm:

St Michael & All Angels Church

Standing at the heart of Melksham, this beautiful Grade II* listed church dates back to the 12th century, with significant restoration work carried out in the 19th century. Its medieval origins, striking stonework, and tranquil churchyard make it one of the town’s most treasured architectural features.

Melksham House

Originally built in the early 18th century, Melksham House was extensively rebuilt following a fire in 1920. Today, it continues to serve the community as a venue for local events, blending historic character with a modern purpose.

The Tithe Barn

This impressive 15th-century barn once served as part of the town’s agricultural economy. In 1878, it was converted into a school, and now lives on as a private residence. Its enduring structure is a testament to Melksham’s adaptability and deep roots.

Historic Canon Square

A walk through Canon Square feels like stepping back in time. This charming area features Grade II listed cottages and a 17th-century vicarage, offering a picturesque glimpse into Melksham’s residential heritage and its well-preserved architectural legacy.

Wiltshire Council County Hall Trowbridge

Governance

Melksham is governed by:

Wiltshire Council (unitary authority for main services)
Melksham Town Council, responsible for ensuring Melksham Residents Love Where They Live.
Melksham Without Parish Council, covering nearby villages including Bowerhill, Beanacre, Shaw, and Whitley

In 2024, Melksham became part of the new Melksham and Devizes parliamentary constituency.

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Population & Community

Melksham’s population has grown steadily, from 4,000 in 1801 to over 18,113 in 2021. Including its surrounding suburbs, the wider built-up area is home to nearly 30,000 people and growing.

The town hosts:

Five major supermarkets (Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Lidl, Aldi)
A busy town centre with independent shops, pharmacies, and cafés
Popular community hubs like the Assembly Hall and Rachel Fowler Centre

Fun Fact: The Melksham Monster

In 2017, scientists identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile from fossils found in Melksham. Named Ieldraan melkshamensis, or the “Melksham Monster,” it was a fearsome marine predator during the Jurassic period

A sea crocodile dubbed the ‘Melksham Monster’ was terrorising the shallow waters off Britain 163 million years ago, according to scientists.

The apex predator, with powerful jaws and huge, razor-sharp teeth roamed the prehistoric ocean around Britain in the Jurassic era.

The beast – dug up in Wiltshire – was 10 feet long from snout to tail and inhabited the warm, shallow waters that covered the country at that time.

It was one of the most terrifying marine reptiles that lived as it swam over a seabed rich in corals and a wide range of shellfish.Dr Steve Brusatte, of Edinburgh University’s School of GeoSciences, said: “The Melksham Monster would have been one of the top predators in the oceans of Jurassic Britain – at the same time dinosaurs were thundering across the land.”