Highworth

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Highworth is a small market town in the unitary authority of Swindon in Wiltshire, England, located about six miles north-east of Swindon town centre. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 8,240.

[edit] Town

Highworth is a domitory town, as it is a popular residence of people working in Swindon, but who want to live in a smaller, rural town. It currently has one infants school, one junior school and two primary schools. There is also a secondary school, Highworth Warneford, serving Highworth and its surrounding area. Its Parish Church, St Michael's and all Angels dates from the 13th Century. Other Churches are Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, Community Church and a Roman Catholic Congregation. The Salvation Army runs a drug rehabilitation unit in the town. It also has a magazine published 10 times a year [1].

Residents of Highworth are often referred to as "Highworthians".

[edit] History

During the civil war, when Charles I fought against Parliament, Highworth was a royalist stronghold. From 1894 to 1974 there was a Highworth Rural District.

Recently the town celebrated the 800th anniversary of the granting of the charter for its market which is still held every Saturday.

Coordinates: 51°37′N 1°42′W