Horningsham

History

At Baycliffe Farm, near the boundary with Maiden Bradley, is the site of an early Iron Age settlement. An entry in the Domesday Book describes the village as very small, being occupied by one cottager and four small holders.

The name 'Horninges-ham' means 'Horning's homestead' in Old English. The personal name probably comes from the uncomplimentary noun 'hornung' meaning 'bastard'. For more information, see List of generic forms in British place names.
Close to the parish boundary on the road to Frome are the remains of Woodhouse Castle. In the 17th century it was owned by the Cavalier Arundel family and consequently attacked during the English Civil War. The damage was so severe that it was impossible to return to the castle when peace was restored. The family moved into Horningsham and built themselves a fine manor house below the church.
The parish changed hands several times before the Thynnes purchased it for the second time in 1716. The Vernon family, who held it during the 12th century, were the founders of the village church. The Stantors then held it for the next 200 years, selling to Sir John Thynne c. 1550. After the Civil War the manor was in the possession of the Arundels. Sir John Thynne (Longleat's builder) had already increased the size of the parish by buying more land. His descendant Thomas Thynne, 1st Marquess of Bath was very interested in forestry, and engaged Capability Brown to plant large plantations of beech and pine. Gradually forestry and farming were established as the two main sources of employment. The situation did not change until the late 20th century, when tourism took over.

Church and Chapel

It has two places of worship, both of ancient origin and both Grade II* listed. First, the Anglican Church of St John the Baptist was founded in the 12th century but has been virtually rebuilt twice in 1783 and 1843. Secondly, an 18th-century Congregational Chapel, known as the Old Meeting House, used by the Scotsmen employed by Sir John Thynne to help build Longleat House. The claim that this is the oldest Free Church in England is unsubstantiated, but it is believed to be the oldest still in use for worship.

Primary School

The small but popular primary school has a complement of 60–70 pupils. Although small, the school has enjoyed sporting success in the Wiltshire Youth Games.

Horningsham Cricket Club

The Horningsham Cricket Club (HCC) is a regular in the Three Counties League.

The Bath Arms

The village pub, The Bath Arms, is on The Common. Built in the 17th century it became a public house in 1732 when it was called The New Inn. It later changed to the Lord Weymouth Arms and then the Marquess of Bath's Arms. In 1850 this was one of four pubs in the village, as well as an off-licence.

Local government and MP

Horningsham elects a parish council. Most local government services are provided by Wiltshire Council, which has its offices in nearby Trowbridge. The village is represented in Parliament by the MP for South West Wiltshire, Andrew Murrison and in Wiltshire Council by Fleur de Rhé-Philipe.

Community activities

Horningsham has a flourishing cricket team with a junior and senior team. Adult volunteers maintain a successful Teenage Club.
In 2007 Horningsham became the Best Kept Village in West Wiltshire.
Every year and usually on the second Sunday in June, Lord Bath opens a well-attended village fete.

Geology and Geography

The village lies on middle chalk and Warminster greensand. The stream Redford Water rises in the village. It eventually runs into the River Frome. The centre of the village is at 162 metres above sea level.

Horningsham in the news

Horningsham in fiction

Horningsham is the home village of the title character in Allan Mallinson's Matthew Hervey book series.