PEOPLE continued to sample some of Chippenham’s rich history last week, as the towns Heritage Open Days came to a close after a week’s worth of free events.

From Thursday to Saturday, The Yelde Hall held The Women Who Made Me Exhibition, which celebrated the contribution Chippenham women made to the town with hands-on activities including having a go at weaving and trying the type of gruel that would have been served at Chippenham Union Workhouse.

On Friday, Siemen’s Rail Automation was open for tours.

On Saturday there was an array of activities on offer for locals and visitors alike, as some of Chippenham’s most historic buildings were open to the public.

St Andrew’s Church, which has stood at the Market Place site since Anglo Saxon times had an open day for visitors to learn about its rich history, and listen in to organ recitals by organist and Town Councillor Richard Bambury.

St Andrew’s Church was also open for tower tours, where visitors could learn about bell ringing and have a go themselves.

Chippenham Masonic Centre had an open day, where people could learn about the ceremonial traditions of Freemasonry and what being a Mason involves, and the Old Baptist Chapel on Chapel lane also had an open day.

Visitors could also delve into the history of Chippenham’s Nestlé building and join Antiques Roadshow specialist Marc Allum at the Jubilee Building and Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.

Chippenham Museum curator Melissa Barnett: “I thought it was fantastic.

"The whole town has been buzzing with all sorts of activities. The theme this year was women, so The Women that Made Me exhibition was busy all day with activities.

"The town has really been behind us in this and we want to go on and make it even bigger.

"I would like to thank all the volunteers and the organisers who helped to make it a success. I think it is a success because the museum has only just taken this on and I think a lot of places in Chippenham haven’t really sold themselves before in the historic sense.

"It was the best we have ever done it, it has grown from last year and we hope it will grow more."