Tower and Town, June 2017

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TripAdvisor

'Tripadvisor' has become the default website for visitors to places around the world. Alex Dunlop and Jazi Castleman took the imaginative leap into the 1890s to imagine what they might have said about visiting Marlborough in the past.

It's the 1890's in Marlborough - where to go, what to do? There is no modern technology, no Pizza Express and no supermarkets. This article tries to give you an insight into the life of a Victorian visitor to Marlborough.

In these modern times in the late nineteenth century we still keep our old traditions. The Mop Fair is one of Marlborough's proud achievements from King John's reign. For the ladies and gentlemen who do not know what the Mop Fair is about, it is when the land owners search for their new employees, they'll walk around wearing an item signifying their skills. For example, a housekeeper carries a mop or brush head, shepherds will parade around wearing a tuft of wool. When a landowner has chosen to employ this person, he takes the significant item and in exchange the employee wears a bright ribbon, although recently these traditions have been changing. Nowadays, it's more of an entertainment event with food, laughter and music for any age.

Stonehenge is becoming very popular with visitors to Wiltshire. Even the famous writer Mr. Hardy has been known to visit recently. However, Marlborough also has its own monolithic attractions; The Devil's Den, though it is not as well-known as Stonehenge, it is still an incredibly ancient and breath-taking place to visit. Reverend A C Smith told us that the name was 'After the habit of old time of attributing all megalithic monuments, or stupendous earthworks to the arch fiend', there have also been many farmers who have tried and tried again to remove the capstone for the top of this man-made creation. One man had his twelve oxen with a new harness but as soon as he tried to pull the giant stone, the harness broke immediately. Some people believe it was just a coincidence but many more believe in the superstition. For any of you wanting an adventure to explore a mysterious place and see for yourselves if you can move the capstone, then try if you dare – perhaps the devil really does live there.

Why not take your horse and cart so you can go out exploring and get away from the buzzing life of the high street? Spring is prime time for the West Woods as the remarkable bluebells cover the ground in bright colour, leaving us with the luscious views of the great Wiltshire countryside. If you're looking to get away, this is the perfect day trip with the family or even just for two ladies having a peaceful stroll. On your way you can collect some victuals from the butchers and grocers for a picnic.

The market is very special to us here in Marlborough. We pride ourselves greatly on how we have the second widest high street in Britain - perfect for even the largest horses and carriages on their way to London, Bath, Bristol and The West Country – and we’re only one day's ride from London. The High Street is so wide because of the terrible fire which happened in 1653, which ruined so many houses. Through the use of new technology we have improved our town using brick and with the help of steam engines. Wednesday markets have now stopped due to the fact that the Sunday market was much more popular and less people were attending the Wednesday markets. The market sells many goods including eggs, fruit, toys and farm animals. You can buy everything you need for the modern Victorian household.

One of Marlborough's prized historical sites, the Mound, provides us with endless historical and mythological inspiration. Situated in the heart of the recently established college, the Mound has abounded with local folklore for centuries. The town’s motto, Ubi nunc sapientis ossa Merlini (‘Where now are the bones of wise Merlin?’), tells us about the myth which has generations believing Merlin's bones were buried underneath. It is a splendid place to visit on a free afternoon when nothing is going on: go on an exquisite walk up to the top and look over our lovely town. A mile up, a mile down, a perfect perambulation for those wishing to take the air and have some light exercise.

As the end of the century approaches it is easy to feel swept up in the rapidly-changing world around us. Marlborough Town and its attractions represent a peaceful antidote to the stress and strains of modern living. We hope that you have enjoyed our recommendations and that you take time to enjoy them.

Alex Dunlop and Jazi Castleman