Hundreds of people have paid visits to historic buildings all over Swindon and Wiltshire, including ancient lock-ups once used to house drunks and miscreants.
They include The Blind House in Wicker Hill, Trowbridge, is a Grade II listed two cell lock-up dating back to 1757 and the reign of King George II.
It was one of the top attractions for dozens of visitors during this year’s Heritage Open Days which ended on Sunday, September 15.
The Blind House close to the Town Bridge opened to the public for one day only on Saturday, September 14. Trowbridge Civic Society coordinated the visits.
It is owned by Trowbridge Town Council, whose leader Stewart Palmen said: “It was pretty much what you would expect it to be.
“I had never been there before and did not realise that it had two rooms, so that you can lock up two people separately, both with toilets that led straight out into the river.
“It was really interesting to see and helped to visualise part of the town’s history.”
Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.
Every year for 10 days in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.
Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. The places are mainly run by volunteers and entry is free during the festival.
In Wiltshire, 17 historic buildings and locations were available for people to visit, ranging from the 550-year-old Maud Heath’s Causeway at East Tytherington near Chippenham to the Masonic Hall in Devizes, the Town Bridge lock up in Bradford on Avon and the Athenaeum Theatre in Warminster.
This year, five historic places opened up in Trowbridge during Heritage Open Days for residents and visitors to explore.
As well as the Blind House, they included Parade House in Fore Street, the Zion Baptist Chapel in Union Street, St James’ Church belltower in Church Street, and Trowbridge Museum’s nooks and crannies in The Shires.
The Grade 1 listed Georgian mansion Parade House, and the 19th century Zion Baptist Chapel with its Victorian interior, both opened for one day on Saturday, September 7.
The bell tower at St James Church opened on Saturday, September 14 from from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.
Trowbridge Museum opened to visitors on multiple days during the festival and visitors were able to explore every nook and cranny of the town’s rich and vast heritage.
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