June's Our Town meeting was another outdoor one, exploring Maud Heath's Causeway this time. It was a perfect summer's evening for our activities. We started at Hathaway Retail Park and found the Causeway's starting plaque close by which solved the mystery of the location of 'Chippenham Clift'. At Kellaways we explored the raised part of the Causeway which has 64 brick arches over the River Avon. We also found the newly restored commemorative sundial nearby. The river itself was admired in this peaceful spot and time out was taken to explore Kellaways church. Our final stop was Wick Hill at the other end of the Causeway and the location of Maud Heath's monument with spectacular views over the Wiltshire countryside. Whilst there was much to tell, we still have plenty of unanswered questions...
How did the original Clift commemorative stonework get in the basement of Barclay's Bank in the Market Place?
Which buildings and land were included in Maud Heath's original gift?
Did it include Monument Farm and what was it called before the monument was erected?
Was Maud Heath's donation an early form of tax dodging?
Who are today's trustees and what is the trust's annual income compared to the original £8 in 1474? (Update: a quick Google revealed the Trust's information on the Charity Commission's website) Update: a circular Maud Heath walk starting at The Clift, along Maud Heath's Causeway and then back into Chippenham via Bremhill (and possible refreshment stop at the Dumb Post Inn) is now available.