WOOTTON Bassett is a self-contained oasis of rural charm in the midst of an area dominated by high technology.

That doesn't mean the town is without its share of state-of-the-art businesses, but that it has somehow managed to preserve its old worlde appeal in spite of this.

From its traditional summer festival, to its annual Christmas celebrations that are like stepping into the imagination of Charles Dickens, and from the picturesque streets to the mix of traditional and modern shops, the town is a jewel.

And like the best jewels, it has plenty of history. As with so many communities in historic Wiltshire, the true origins of the town defy attempts to place them at a specific point in time. It was certainly there prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066.

What is known for sure is that there was already a small but thriving town when the manor passed to a wealthy Norman called Alan Bassett about 800 years ago.

Not one to let the grass grow under his feet, Bassett set about increasing the size of the town, improving its facilities and trade links to such an extent that in 1219 Edward III granted the necessary permission for a regular market to be held there.

This was the making of the town, as market status, combined with Wootton Bassett's enviable location, spelled prosperity for centuries to come.

That prosperity was certainly sufficient for the town to dwarf near neighbour Swindon for much of its history. These days, of course, things are rather different. The town's modern success stems from its industry and also from its sheer beauty, with house buyers vying for the opportunity to live there.

2:26pm Tuesday 29th April 2008

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