Tower and Town, May 2026 (view the full edition)My Footprints To MarlboroughJean Upton - owner of the leathercraft shop in Hughenden Yard since 1964 1. Where were you born, and where did you grow up? I was born in Old Sarum, Salisbury, but my father was called up to the army in 1940 and I then returned to live in Gloucester near Badminton with my mother. 2. What was your early life like - family, school, community? I had a good early life living in the countryside looking after animals and after the war when my father returned the family moved to Ogbourne Maisey, where he worked as a jockey and trained horses. I went to Marlborough Grammar School, which was a very happy time for me because there was a wide cross-section of people there. I worked for my father after school, and later took a secretarial course although I used to go to the races a lot when I wasn't working! 3. What kind of work or passion have you followed in life? My passion is the countryside and gardening. I met my husband when I was 18 and I got married at 21. Between us we were interested in horses and hawks! We started this shop in 1964. We have been here ever since - over 60 years! 4 Why did you decide to stay and make it home? My husband and I loved the countryside. Roger was a falconer and he also made falconry equipment which is called falcon furniture - things like hoods to put over the birds heads. He was also very involved in the British falconers club which used to meet in Avebury. Years ago Marlborough was a close knit community with people like Michael Gray, who was an antique dealer and involved with The Merchant House. 5. What do you appreciate most about the Marlborough community? I have lots of returning customers who think it is worth travelling long distances to visit my shop again! I love the town and the stunning countryside, the Downs and the forest. What more could you ask for? 6. What would you say to someone considering moving here? It is still a great place for the community feel and for the shops.  Matt Gow |