Pewsey
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Pewsey is a village in Wiltshire, England.
History
Excavations on Pewsey Hill have indicated that there may have been a settlement in Pewsey dating back to the 6th century. In the Tudor era the Manor of Pewsey belonged to the Duchess of Somerset.
Some of the oldest houses in Pewsey were built in this era: the timber framed cruck house at Ball Corner, Bridge Cottage on the banks of the Avon and the Court House by the Church. In 1764 the founder of the Methodist movement John Wesley (1703 - 1791) spread the word of the gospel at Pewsey Church. The rector at that time, Joseph Townsend, was an interesting character who was the main driving force behind the building of the first bridge over the River Avon.
Pewsey Carnival was established in 1808 and remains a popular annual fixture to this day, infusing the local area with a colourful festival atmosphere every September. Events include a carnival procession, dance, music, illuminations, and the mysterious 'Wheelbeero' race, which as the name suggests, involves a wheelbarrow, beer, a lively crowd, and a two-mile route carefully designed to encompass nine of Pewsey's pubs.
In 1810 the Kennet and Avon Canal was opened, but it was the appearance of the railway in 1862 that permanently altered Pewsey, ending forever its physical isolation from the rest of the world. Pewsey railway station is served by trains from London Paddington to the West Country.
Today
Pewsey makes an ideal base for short breaks or a longer stay and is well placed as a touring centre for a wide area of Wiltshire, making it a good base for visiting world-famous prehistoric sites such as Avebury and Stonehenge.
It has interesting town walks, as well as longer walks in the surrounding countryside. The Pewsey white horse is located on a steep slope of Pewsey Hill about a mile south of the village and can be viewed from several places in the surrounding area.
The sharp chalk escarpments around Pewsey Vale also provide opportunities for the more energetic sports of hanggliding and paragliding.