Dimensions
170 x 240 x 10mm
Described in 1538 by John Leland as ‘a pratty market town well occupied with clothiers’, Wotton-under-Edge is tucked away in a picturesque location under the southern edge of the Cotswolds. Today, the town is an attractive place full of character and is much loved by residents and tourists alike. Many of the latter visit to walk the well-known Cotswold Way footpath, whose meandering route passes through the town centre. With a thriving local arts scene and many volunteer-run organisations such as the Wotton Electric Picture House, the town’s community spirit remains strong.
Using the vast collection of previously unpublished photographs and documents held at the Heritage Centre, this book looks back at the Wotton of yesteryear to include scenes of notable characters, schools, wartime and entertainment. A central colour section illustrates the town’s more recent people and events.
Also featuring the nearby villages and hamlets of Kingswood, Hillesley, Wortley, North Nibley and Ozleworth, this absorbing anthology will be of interest to all who know the area, whether lifetime resident or passing visitor.
It’s a wonderful book and an important historical document telling the story of life in an ancient market town during two World Wars and the Jubilees of two Queens. It’s remarkable how little the centre of Wotton has changed in appearance. Today the streets, buildings and surrounding countryside still tell the town’s story, and after living here for 26 years, I know that one thing has certainly remained constant - the quiet friendliness and helpfulness of Wotton’s people.
Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall
