TODAY The Laverton on Bratton Road in Westbury is home to the town council as well as a popular venue for wedding receptions, meetings and conferences.

The imposing Grade II listed Victorian building was built by local millowner and philanthropist Abraham Laverton in 1873, and is now owned by the Laverton Institute charitable trust.

Since 2003 Westbury Town Council has been the sole trustee of the Trust, when the building was taken over from the West Wiltshire District Council. The Town Council offices have been in the building for many years, after moving from the old Town Hall in the Market Place.

Costing £4,000 the building was designed by William Stent and built by W and W Keats.

The Laverton Institute was an example of a Venetian gothic style, revival building with red brick elevations with Bath stone dressing.

The original roof featured an illuminated clock and incorporated a steeply pitched central mansard roof.

The institute was designed to provide a place for educational, religious, philanthropic, scientific and political purposes.

Part of the building was set aside for a elementary school for boys.

A large stained glass window dominates the main hall.

There are also two mottos inscribed in the window: Industry brings Wealth and Knowledge is Power.

Work over the years has modified the building for 21st century use, ensuring The Laverton remains accessible to the community.

Now the period venue is equipped with a modern kitchen, a piano, full range of audio and technical services, hearing loop, licensed bar, conference facilities, disabled access and unlimited free Wi-Fi.

The former Westbury Leigh School also has an extensive history. There were two schools before 1859 when it was proposed to amalgamate them.

In 1893 a new national school was opened. In 1929 the older children were transferred to Leigh Road Senior School and this became a junior mixed and infants’ school.

The old school in the centre of the village was moved out to the neighbouring Leigh Park estate in 2004.