The story of the villages in the Warminster area is always a fascinating subject.

For those who have lived there all their lives it is a chance to reminisce and remember the old times: how it used to be. For newcomers it is a glimpse into a life that preceded them.

Many villages have had their history published in book form, often by one of the locals themselves. Chitterne now joins that group, but written by a newcomer to the area.

Incomer Sue Robinson, as she describes herself, was interested in the history of her home – the Round House. She then went on to develop her interest into the whole life of this village which lies on the edge of Salisbury Plain.

Originally a village of two parishes – All Saints and St Mary’s – a new larger church was built in 1861 to serve the growing population, but soon decline took hold and they dwindled back to the 300 of today.

One of the village’s more famous visitors was diarist Samuel Pepys who, mislaying his way, spent the night there grateful he wasn’t ‘lain on the plain’.

One famous son was Bill Brown who rose through the police force ranks to be Detective Chief Superintendent in charge of C.I.D. headquarters at Scotland Yard, London. On retirement in 1932 he returned to his old home in the village.

Another famous son was John Wallis Titt who founded the hugely successful agricultural ironworks in Warminster’s Woodcock Road. They became world-famous, especially for their wind-pumps which were exported all over the empire.

Sue looks at many other aspects of the village including the many ancient trackways that pass through or near the village.

Farming which was probably the reason for the village’s existence, is also given a good investigation, as is the impact of the military occupation of the nearby plain.

Overall this is an interesting and well-written account of the progress of an ancient community to the present time.
R.C.S.